KUALA LUMPUR- Airbus is in discussions with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), parent of Malaysia Airlines (MH) for an upcoming narrowbody aircraft order. The European aircraft manufacturer aims to secure the order is expected to be announced by year-end.
Wouter van Wersch, Airbus executive vice president of international, confirmed ongoing talks with MAG. The company supports MAG’s fleet renewal program and awaits the outcome of their request for proposal (RFP).
Malaysia Airlines Airbus Order
Van Wersch refrained from providing extensive details about the negotiations. He emphasized Airbus’s commitment to the potential deal and expressed hope for a successful outcome.
Highlighting Airbus’s offerings, van Wersch pointed to the A320 and A321neo (new engine option) aircraft. He touted the A321neo as one of aviation history’s most successful aircraft models.
Reports suggest MAG may consider either the A321 or A320, alongside Boeing’s 737 MAX 8, for this second batch of narrowbody aircraft orders, Business Times reported.
The airline is expected to announce the order for up to 25 aircraft. It will be the first time that Malaysia Airlines will opt for narrowbody aircraft from Airbus. It already operates a fleet of widebody Airbus aircraft including the A330-200, A330-300, and A350-900.
MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail revealed the request for proposal (RFP) details, initially planned for early 2024 but has now been rescheduled.
Izham indicated MAG’s openness to various aircraft types, including Airbus A321, A320, or Boeing 737 MAX 8. The final decision will depend on the best offer presented.
Part of the Fleet Renewal Plan
This upcoming order represents the second batch of MAG’s fleet renewal program. The first batch included 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft. Malaysia Airlines, MAG’s subsidiary, has already received four MAX 8 planes and anticipates its first A330neo delivery next month.
Airbus Asia Pacific president Anand Stanley advocated for the A320 family, emphasizing its suitability for Southeast Asian markets, particularly Malaysia. Stanley highlighted the aircraft’s strong local connections, with parts maintained in Sepang and produced in Malacca.
Stanley stressed the A320 family’s deep Malaysian roots and its ideal fit for regional networks connecting Malaysia to Southeast Asia.
A330neo Order Possibility
MAG to place an order for widebody aircraft in its second request for proposal (RFP), expanding its fleet modernization efforts. The group currently holds an option for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft, following its 2022 purchase of 20 A330neos in the first RFP.
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail confirmed the A330neo option remains active. However, he did not disclose whether MAG plans to exercise this option.
Airbus executive vice president international Wouter van Wersch refrained from commenting on commercial discussions, citing customer confidentiality. He emphasized Airbus’s focus on delivering the first A330neo to MAG.
Van Wersch highlighted the A330neo’s compatibility with the A320 and A321 aircraft in terms of pilot and cabin crew training. This commonality allows easy transition between Airbus aircraft types, potentially offering economic benefits for Malaysia Airlines in training, spare parts management, and overall operational costs.
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