Malaysia Airlines ground newly acquired A330neo jet

Malaysia Airlines has grounded its newly acquired Airbus A330neo jet shortly after its maiden flight due to technical issues originating from the factory.

Chief Executive Izham Ismail emphasized that safety is the airline’s top priority and described the faults as “unacceptable” and “embarrassing.” The jet’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne on December 19 encountered problems.

This incident adds to the airline’s ongoing challenges in 2024, including manpower shortages and reduced routes. Malaysia Airlines had ordered 20 A330neo planes in 2022 to modernize its fleet, with the aircraft being touted for its fuel efficiency.