Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is carefully planning for three important widebody aircraft campaigns that will shape its future fleet needs into the 2040s, according to its managing director Izham Ismail. MAG, which manages Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Amal by Malaysia Airlines, and MASwings until its takeover by the Sarawak government later this year, is setting its strategies for long-term growth.
The campaigns involve evaluating options on an existing A330neo order, securing a second order for long-range aircraft, and planning the renewal of cargo aircraft for its cargo arm, MASkargo. These major decisions will help position the airline group for the decades ahead.
According to a report from Ch-Aviation, MAG is in the process of receiving deliveries from its 2022 order for twenty A330neos. Ismail confirmed that three aircraft have already been delivered for Malaysia Airlines, and seven more are expected within this year. The group must now decide whether to exercise the options it holds for up to 20 additional aircraft. “The business is evaluating whether to do so,” he said.
Ismail also emphasized the need for another widebody order once the current A330neo deliveries are completed. MAG is evaluating the Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777-9 for its future needs. However, he pointed out that delivery schedules could present a challenge. “It’s tough, because from 2031 onwards the slot availability is limited,” he said. He further explained that although the Boeing 777-9 is a 400-seater aircraft and not yet in production, it could still work for the group if properly customized. “If to secure an earlier slot is tough, and the 777-9 is a 400-seater aircraft, it is still doable to us if we spec it properly with maybe a three-class cabin. It is probably workable.”
Malaysia Airlines’ current widebody fleet includes three A330neo, five A330-200s, fifteen A330-300s, and seven A350-900s. Another MAG executive recently shared that the group aims to expand the A350-900 fleet to 16 aircraft. To support its plans, MAG is likely to issue a long-range aircraft request for proposal later this year.
Focus on Cargo Fleet Renewal for MASkargo
Another major part of MAG’s planning involves replacing the aging freighters of MASkargo. Ismail explained that the group is considering whether to buy new freighters or to convert existing aircraft. “The current cargo fleet has aged considerably, 12-15 years,” he said.
If MAG chooses to convert, the most probable candidates will be the existing passenger-configured A330-200s. Currently, MAG outsources MASkargo’s narrowbody flights to other airlines, allowing it to focus on widebody operations for cargo transport.
Ismail highlighted the importance of looking far into the future when making aircraft investment decisions. “What we are doing today is not for tomorrow. We are looking at 2043, that far ahead. Buying an airplane is not like buying a car,” he said. “It is a huge capital expenditure, a huge investment, and the airplane can only be delivered starting from four to five years down the road.”
Narrowbody Renewal Moves Ahead
Alongside its widebody plans, Malaysia Airlines continues its narrowbody fleet renewal program. The group is working to replace its current Boeing 737-800 aircraft with newer 737 MAX 8s and 737 MAX 10s. This step will help streamline operations across its short and medium-haul network while ensuring the fleet remains modern and efficient.
Through these careful moves, MAG aims to secure its future fleet requirements for both passenger and cargo services. By making important investment decisions today, the group plans to ensure it meets its goals well into the next two decades.
