Tag Archives: airbus

NEWS

Airbus, Rolls-Royce to resolve Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo technical issues

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Airbus has pledged full support to Malaysia Airlines as the carrier faces a 48-hour grounding of its new Airbus A330neo (new engine option), following its inaugural flight to Melbourne on Dec 19, according to Bernama.

The aircraft, equipped with Rolls-Royce’s latest engine technology, encountered technical issues shortly after its debut, linked to factory production quality and delivery concerns.

“We are supporting the airline directly to resolve these issues alongside Rolls-Royce,” an Airbus spokesperson told Bernama today.

On Dec 19, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, unveiled the first A330-900 (A330neo) aircraft at Hangar Six of the MAB Engineering Complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

According to news reports, Malaysia Airlines had to cancel flight MH149 to Melbourne on Dec 21 due to technical issues and unsatisfactory factory workmanship, with the aircraft now grounded for repairs.

The A330neo is the latest addition to MAG’s expanding fleet, with 20 units scheduled for delivery by 2028, following a memorandum of understanding signed with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Avolon in August 2022.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo features cutting-edge aerodynamics and advanced materials, delivering a 14 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.

MAG currently operates a fleet of 107 aircraft across its subsidiaries, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and MASkargo.

In addition to the Airbus delays, MAG has also been affected by the postponed delivery of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft this year.

NEWS

MAG receives first Airbus A330neo

Malaysia Airlines’ parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), received the delivery of its first Airbus A330neo aircraft yesterday.

The A330-900 is the first unit of 20 aircraft leased from Avolon by MAG, setting new standards for fuel efficiency and passenger experience.

The Airbus A330neo is configured with a premium two-class layout featuring 297 seats, including 28 business class seats.

Meanwhile, the economy cabin can accommodate 269 passengers.

Among the amenities offered are spacious overhead storage, improved air quality, the latest in-flight entertainment system, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

MAS will use the A330neo aircraft for flights across Asia and the Pacific, as well as on selected routes to the Middle East.

MAG is the 20th company to join the group of global operators of the modern, fuel-efficient A330neo aircraft.

To date, Airbus has delivered over 140 units of the A330neo to airlines around the world.

NEWS

Indonesia Air Force orders 4 Airbus H145 helicopters

The Indonesian Air Force has placed an order for four Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its training modernisation programme, according to Bernama.

These multi-mission helicopters will be used for military training and light search-and-rescue missions.

The order was announced this week at the Bali International Airshow as part of an agreement between the Air Force and aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), according to a statement from Airbus on Wednesday.

Under the agreement, Airbus will deliver H145s to PTDI, which will manage the reassembly and completion of the mission equipment and other customisation work at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia, for final delivery to the air force.

“We’re fully confident that the highly versatile H145 will make a positive impact in enhancing its military pilot training and at the same time be a critical enabler for its search-and-rescue operations,” Airbus Helicopters Asia-Pacific head Vincent Dubrule said.

PTDI president director Gita Amperiawan said the collaboration not only strengthens the long-standing partnership between PTDI and Airbus, but also showcases our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for national operational needs

“Through this close partnership, PTDI will not only support the delivery of the H145 helicopters but will also enhance our capabilities in terms of integration and assembly at our facilities,” Gita said.

Airbus Helicopters and Indonesia have enjoyed a nearly 50-year partnership, beginning in 1976 with PTDI’s licence to produce the NBO-105 helicopter.

PTDI became a key supplier for the Airbus H225’s rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia in 2011.

The latest version of Airbus’ H145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kilogrammes.