KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines Bhd, received its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) wide-body aircraft on Friday.

The A330neo, initially scheduled to be delivered in September, departed from the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France, on Thursday at 8.52pm local time, and safely arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Friday at 4.52pm, said Malaysia Airlines.

“Today, history soars higher as we welcome the arrival of our flagship Airbus A330neo, the new pride of Malaysia Airlines and our beloved nation, Malaysia,” the national carrier said in a social media post.

Prior to its arrival, the MH5039 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines was escorted by a Royal Malaysian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet. It performed a spectacular flypast, and was greeted with a water salute after the 13-hour journey.

MAG’s A330neo aircraft comprises 297 seats — 28 in business class and 269 in economy class, of which 24 have extra legroom — and will be deployed on long-haul routes across Asia and Australasia.

“Its state-of-the-art design, modern technology, and unparalleled comfort mark the beginning of a new chapter for our fleet and our national carrier,” Malaysia Airlines said in a statement.

“This is a milestone not just for Malaysia Airlines, but for all Malaysians, as we move forward together to elevate our skies and showcase our nation to the world,” it added.

In August 2022, MAG signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and aircraft leasing company Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered through to 2028.

MAG is the 20th airline operator to have chosen the A330neo. To date, Airbus has delivered more than 140 of the aircraft to airlines worldwide.