SEPANG: As Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), welcomes its first A330neo aircraft into its fleet, Transport Minister Anthony Loke says that there are high expectations for the national carrier to make significant improvements.
According to Loke, Malaysians want MAB to expand with new routes globally, particularly in major airports in Europe.
"Right now, we are out of Europe completely. London is not considered Europe," quipped Loke.
"So, we hope that very soon, we can fly back to Europe. That is the plan for next year, and I think it can be realised very soon," said Loke during the launch of MAG’s first A330neo aircraft at the MAB Engineering Complex in Sepang on Thursday (Dec 19).
"This is part of the larger vision of the country; we want better connectivity and we want to improve our presence in the world," added Loke.
Loke said Putrajaya also aims to boost local tourism through improved flight connectivity.
"First, it is important for KLIA to become a global aviation hub, and MAG plays an important role here.
"Second, with this improvement and modernisation in MAB’s fleet, it is essential to improve tremendously on-time performance," said Loke.
Loke mentioned that while MAG has improved significantly under the leadership of its group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, there is still room for further enhancement.
"In the past two months, MAG through MAB and MAS Wings has improved in terms of time performance.
"But, I must say, there is still a lot of room for improvement and FireFly has to really buck up," said Loke.
"I am so sorry. Sometimes, I speak very directly. But, I think this is important, let’s call a spade a spade," added Loke.
Meanwhile, Loke also said the A330neo is a state-of-the-art aircraft designed with efficiency and sustainability at its core.
"It consumes 11% less fuel and emits significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to its predecessor, the A330ceo, which has served MAB since 2011."
The inaugural flight of MAB’s A330neo will take place on Thursday (Dec 19) evening as MH149, departing KL at 10.30pm and reaching Melbourne, Australia, at 9.25am the following morning.
The A330neo is a new version of Airbus’ best-selling A330, used by major airlines worldwide.
MAB is expected to have 20 A330neo aircraft delivered by 2028, following its MoU with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Avolon in Aug 2022.
The A330neo comprises 297 seats, 28 in Business class and 269 in Economy class.
