New Airbus Order Coming

Airbus is expected to confirm a new commercial aircraft order as early as the end of the week.

The customer, Malaysia Aviation Group, or more specifically Malaysia Airlines, has a bid to elevate wide-body flying.

The A330neo is expected to be the aircraft of choice, a jet already present in the Malaysia Airlines business, but through a new deal, its presence will be enhanced in the coming years.

A deal now looks set to be confirmed as the Prime Minister of Malaysia visits Paris, and thus meets with Airbus delegates to sign the contract for the new purchase.

Industry sources broke the news to Reuters; however, a prospective new contract from Malaysia Airlines has been of interest for quite some time.

In 2022, Malaysia Airlines signed for not just 20 Airbus A330neos but also 20 additional options, should it feel the need to activate these at a later date to meet demand, which is of great interest, as growth is at the forefront of the business’s focus.

While another commitment to the A330neo in a firm manner would be huge for the flag carrier, this is being viewed as part one of a two-part deal for wide-body jets, with larger aircraft expected to be involved in the next round.

Could Airbus Win Another Order?

Malaysia Airlines is now focused on growth. As competition increases across nearby markets, finding ways to increase market share is crucial for securing a stable future.

The carrier has thus had a long documented interest in purchasing more widebody planes; however, instead of strictly sticking with the Airbus A330neo, it has an appetite to fly even larger planes.

The Airbus A350 is currently in service. However, with only seven planes and considering the retirement of the A380, there remains a lack of substantial capacity on international markets.

As part of a bid to enhance its wide-body flying capabilities, in March 2025, Boeing offered its 777X to Malaysia Airlines following the purchase of 737 MAX aircraft, aiming to improve its long-haul operations.

If Malaysia Airlines wanted to ensure fleet commonality, however, Airbus would feel it’s primed to offer more A350 jets, possibly even the high-capacity A350-1000, to serve the company’s needs.

What remains a crucial part of Malaysia Airlines’ desire to grow its widebody flying is the gap in the market following the A380s retirement. As for which direction the airline heads, that remains to be seen, with jets like the A350, 787, and 777X all being possible options.