EUROPEAN aircraft manufacturer Airbus SE is optimistic about securing a significant tender with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) as the company eyes the second batch of new narrowbody aircraft orders.
The announcement, expected by the end of this year, could see Airbus winning a major contract in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet renewal programme.
Airbus executive vice president international Wouter van Wersch confirmed that discussions with MAG are underway, expressing the company’s strong commitment to supporting the airline’s ongoing fleet upgrades.
“I saw the comments of Captain Izham yesterday (Aug 14), and indeed, I can confirm we are in discussions at this moment. I can’t say much more on it. We’ll see what comes out of it. We’re very committed. Of course, we hope we will be successful, but we’ll see in the future,” van Wersch stated during a media briefing.
“But what I can say is that we have the A320 and the A321neo (new engine option) aircraft, which is one of the most successful aircraft in the history of aviation,” van Wersch said at a media briefing here today.
Speculation has been rife about whether MAG will choose Airbus’ A320 or A321neo, or opt for Boeing’s 737 MAX 8 for its upcoming narrowbody aircraft order. Business Times reported that MAG’s final decision could involve over 25 narrowbody aircraft.
MAG Group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail revealed in a recent interview that the request for proposal (RFP), initially expected earlier this year, has been postponed to the year-end. The RFP is a crucial step in determining the best aircraft to meet the airline’s operational needs.
“We’ll see what’s best on the table,” a local news portal quoted Izham as saying.
The new aircraft will be operated by Malaysia Airlines – a subsidiary of MAG – which has already begun receiving planes from the first batch of RFP including 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 20 Airbus A330neo widebodies. The national carrier has already taken delivery of four 737 MAX 8s, with the first A330neo scheduled to arrive next month.
Moreover, Airbus Asia Pacific president Anand Stanley pointed out the suitability of the A320 family for the Southeast Asian market particularly Malaysia. He highlighted that key components for the A320 are produced in Malacca and maintained in Sepang, underscoring the strong local ties to the aircraft.
“I think the A320 family is Malaysian aircraft from Malaysia,” added Stanley, noting that the aircraft is also a perfect fit for regional network that connects Malaysia to Southeast Asia.
The second batch of RFP also includes options for additional widebody aircraft, with MAG considering whether to exercise its option for 20 more A330neo planes.
While van Wersch remained tight-lipped about ongoing commercial negotiations, he pointed out the economic advantages of Airbus aircraft particularly in terms of pilot and crew training, as well as cost efficiencies related to spare parts and maintenance.
“I can’t comment on any of these commercial discussions. That’s the prerogative of the customer,” he said, adding that Airbus is focused on delivery the first A330neo to MAG. A330neo has the same features with the A320 and A321 airplanes in terms of training of the pilots and cabin crews.
“It’s very easy to move from one type (of Airbus aircraft) to the other, which means it could be a good economic way of optimising for Malaysia Airlines in terms of training, spare (parts), cost and everything,” – Aug 15, 2024
Main photo credit: Flightradar24
