First Look: Malaysia Airlines 1st Airbus A330neo

Malaysia Airlines has provided a first look at its Airbus A330neo as the carrier gears up for the modern widebody’s eventual entry into service.

The airline says that final assembly has just begun in Toulouse, France, the home of Airbus, where aircraft come together for eventual delivery to their customer.

Important next steps will occur, such as installing the cockpit, engines, landing gear, electrical wiring, avionics, and fuel and hydraulic systems.

These installations can only occur thanks to the main fuselage sections, such as the wings and tail, being attached.

When all these critical steps are taken, the airline says the aircraft will proceed to the next important step in the delivery process, which includes thorough ground checks.

Once the relevant ground checks are successfully completed, Malaysia Airlines says the aircraft will head to the cabin installation zone, where the company’s product will be installed.

Lastly, preparations will continue for the first flight. Then, the aircraft will be deemed ready to be delivered to Malaysia, where, once the familiarisation has occurred, the jet will be deployed across the network.

Inside The Malaysia Airlines A330neo

In March of 2024, the airline introduced its Airbus A330neo seats, which included Business Class and Economy Class. This cabin product needs to be modern and is what the airline describes as something that’ll feature many firsts for the airline.

Malaysia Airlines will introduce wireless charging pods with individual privacy doors for all 28 business class seats. Meanwhile, the airline will become the world’s leading carrier to feature Elevation seats on its aircraft.

The airline’s upcoming economy class on the Airbus A330neo will have an ergonomic design with significant support layers. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines says it has carefully considered implementing amenities such as coat hooks, cup holds, and more to add storage for customers.

The Airbus A330neo will be configured to seat 297 passengers, 28 in business class and 269 in economy. Malaysia Airlines further adds that 24 of the seats in economy will have additional legroom.

Looking Ahead

Malaysia Airlines says its Airbus A330 schedule will see updates in the third quarter of the 2024 calendar year.

However, the first Airbus A330neo is expected to be deployed to Melbourne, Australia, starting in November, with more locations to follow.

If schedules don’t slip, three Airbus A330neos should be delivered in 2024. This would represent three of a total of 20 aircraft viewed as replacements for the existing A330ceo fleet.