Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi, stated that the remaining 19 Airbus A330neo aircraft purchased by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, are expected to be delivered starting from February until 2026.
He mentioned that Airbus and Rolls-Royce have been urged to conduct more stringent quality control on the new aircraft to be received in the future.
“In this regard, Malaysia Airlines will ensure that the production quality of the ordered aircraft is at the highest level, especially for those not yet received, as the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority.”
He responded in the Dewan Rakyat to Perikatan Nasional MP Nazri's inquiry on what measures were taken after the technical problem that grounded Malaysia Airlines' Airbus A330neo aircraft on December 19 of last year.
Hasbi mentioned that last year the aircraft was grounded for around 48 hours due to technical issues and resumed operations after the faulty parts were replaced.
He added that to date the aircraft has completed 101 flight missions without any issues, mainly on routes to Melbourne, Kota Kinabalu, Doha, Kuching, and Kansai, Japan.
“Additionally, MAG is currently equipped with a spare engine for the A330neo and expects to receive three spare engines starting from the third quarter of 2025.”
He explained that the first new A330neo aircraft was taken out of operation on December 22 to 23 last year due to technical problems caused by Airbus and engine supplier Rolls-Royce.
“Overall, global aircraft manufacturers face challenges in production quality, including shortages of raw materials for aircraft components and skilled workers in the manufacturing industry.”
Previously, Malaysia Airlines completed its maiden flight to Melbourne on December 19 last year but was forced to ground the aircraft for at least 48 hours due to technical issues, raising concerns about the production quality and delivery process.