KarelXWB wrote:

As for additional A330s, perhaps Air Berlin's A330s will be placed at MH:

Malaysia Airlines Bhd. (MAB) still wants to lease additional Airbus A330s to cover short-term needs, despite the carrier’s new commitment to order Boeing 787-9s. Following the announcement of the 787 deal this week, the carrier “confirms that we are actively exploring [used] high-specification A330s,” MAB told Aviation Daily. The airline said it has had “very attractive offers from bankrupt European airlines,”

Malaysia Airlines Continues A330 Lease Negotiations

Assuming Air Berlin as the source, they are (were) also due early A330 neo deliveries, l guess on lease.

JerseyFlyer wrote:

KarelXWB wrote:

As for additional A330s, perhaps Air Berlin's A330s will be placed at MH:

Malaysia Airlines Bhd. (MAB) still wants to lease additional Airbus A330s to cover short-term needs, despite the carrier’s new commitment to order Boeing 787-9s. Following the announcement of the 787 deal this week, the carrier “confirms that we are actively exploring [used] high-specification A330s,” MAB told Aviation Daily. The airline said it has had “very attractive offers from bankrupt European airlines,”

Malaysia Airlines Continues A330 Lease Negotiations

Assuming Air Berlin as the source, they are (were) also due early A330 neo deliveries, l guess on lease.

The only bankrupt European airlines with A330s are Air Berlin and Alitalia. But as far as I know Alitalia isn't cutting long haul routes, Air Berlin on the other hand is going to cancel a handful of routes to the Caribbean. If everything works out smoothly MH could have these planes on property before the end of the year.

The Air Berlin A332s will fit in well with MAB's plans. There is a bonus too - they have PW engines, something that very useful as MAB's existing A330s are PW powered.

The a330neo is still in line for a big order from MAS...

http://t.co/wUp5qK9j74

“I think the A330neo will be a super plane, and we are still very much talking with Airbus,” the CEO said by telephone, adding that he plans to meet with the Toulouse, France-based manufacturer toward the end of next week for further discussions.

KarelXWB wrote:

The airline said it has had very attractive offers from bankrupt European airlines.

Air Berlin for one, I assume.

PM wrote:

KarelXWB wrote:

The airline said it has had very attractive offers from bankrupt European airlines.

Air Berlin for one, I assume.

According to viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1371289&p=19817083#p19817059 we have a rumor that LH has made a pre-emptive strike to preserve the AB A330s along with the DUS operation:

vfw614 wrote:

Interesting information circulating on a German pilots messageboard, apparently posted by an airberlin employee:

He/she says that Lufthansa Group has bought the 10 A330-200 airberlin returned to lessor AerCap - who, without that purchase, was, as he says, in no haste to repossess the aircraft. The move is described as a "pre-emptive strike" to make sure that no-one else can continue airberlin's long-haul ops at DUS. He/she also alleges that Eurowings will take over the Carribbean long-haul routes from Dusseldorf, either directly or through some sort of deal involving Brussels Airlines.

We live in interesting times!

ikolkyo wrote:

juliuswong wrote:

ikolkyo wrote:

I don’t think A330neo will happen, it just makes too much sense to simplify the fleet around the 787 in that segment. A 737 MAX , 787 and A350 fleet is an excellent combination.

Well, we can't say for sure. MH only place an order for 8 B787. There are currently 15 A330-300 and soon too add around 7 A330-200. Thus, the recent 787 order is insufficient to cover A330 fleet replacement. Even if we add 8 787 and their upcoming 6 A350, it is still insufficient. (6 A380 and approximately 22 A330 to be replaced). They would have easily place an order for 20 B787 if it was the ultimate choose to replace both A330ceo and A380, but it was not the case. Malaysia Airlines will never have fleet from single manufacturer. Malaysia Government will always balance between both A and B.

Where do you see MH getting 6 A332s? And I never suggested a fleet from a single manufacturer, I clearly said 737 MAX, 787 and A350. Also this thread is about the TK 787 order, I suggest we take this discussion to private messages or another thread.

Thing is, MH did not order those 787s for A330 replacement. The 787s will be used to open new routes. That's why Peter Bellew keeps the door open for A330neo metal.

Where do you see MH getting 6 A332s?

Second hand http://www.reuters.com/article/us-airli ... SKBN18V120

KarelXWB wrote:

ikolkyo wrote:

juliuswong wrote:

Well, we can't say for sure. MH only place an order for 8 B787. There are currently 15 A330-300 and soon too add around 7 A330-200. Thus, the recent 787 order is insufficient to cover A330 fleet replacement. Even if we add 8 787 and their upcoming 6 A350, it is still insufficient. (6 A380 and approximately 22 A330 to be replaced). They would have easily place an order for 20 B787 if it was the ultimate choose to replace both A330ceo and A380, but it was not the case. Malaysia Airlines will never have fleet from single manufacturer. Malaysia Government will always balance between both A and B.

Where do you see MH getting 6 A332s? And I never suggested a fleet from a single manufacturer, I clearly said 737 MAX, 787 and A350. Also this thread is about the TK 787 order, I suggest we take this discussion to private messages or another thread.

Thing is, MH did not order those 787s for A330 replacement. The 787s will be used to open new routes. That's why Peter Bellew keeps the door open for A330neo metal.

Where do you see MH getting 6 A332s?

Second hand http://www.reuters.com/article/us-airli ... SKBN18V120

I understand the 787s aren’t replacing the A330s right now, I just feel it makes more sense for that to eventually happen down the road. So have the A332s been formed up yet?

If anything with the A350s being leased I could see MH eventually replacing them with the 787 and operating a A330neo/787 fleet depending on how successful the turnaround is (and thus how badly MH needs larger aircraft).

Of course its MH so if they become successful I'm sure they will then turn to stupid ideas like nonstop flights to the US.

MAB today reiterated that the MoU for the 787 is just a MoU with nothing firm. The only firm order is for 25 737 Max. I think that the media (especially the Malaysian media) has been going ballistic over this MoU that they needed to clarify the situation:

See: https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en/ ... g-MoU.html

Polot wrote:

If anything with the A350s being leased I could see MH eventually replacing them with the 787 and operating a A330neo/787 fleet depending on how successful the turnaround is (and thus how badly MH needs larger aircraft).

Of course its MH so if they become successful I'm sure they will then turn to stupid ideas like nonstop flights to the US.

The 787s will be leased as well, so no difference.

Polot wrote:

If anything with the A350s being leased I could see MH eventually replacing them with the 787 and operating a A330neo/787 fleet depending on how successful the turnaround is (and thus how badly MH needs larger aircraft).

Of course its MH so if they become successful I'm sure they will then turn to stupid ideas like nonstop flights to the US.

Hahaha, I choked on my drinks reading your last sentence. Nah, MH will never return to US. PB stated so many times, the boat has sailed long ago for them. MH commands little brand recognition on trans Pacific routes, it will be a struggle to build the brand from scratch.

For now MH needs as many widebody as they can, but prices isn't right apart from recent 787 order. We shall wait and see. I agree with you. The A350 lease will be at least 6-8 years if not 10 years above, I highly doubt it is any shorter than that. Thereafter who knows. PB just paid a visit to Thompson, uploaded a pix on instagram stating new luxurious cabin for A350 and flat bed for upcoming B737MAX, something similar Jetblue Mint.

juliuswong wrote:

Nah, MH will never return to US. PB stated so many times, the boat has sailed long ago for them. MH commands little brand recognition on trans Pacific routes, it will be a struggle to build the brand from scratch.

In PB, they have a CEO who is an aviation professional. If they do silly things, we can only deduce that those decisions are taken by their political masters who know nothing about running an airline. This was what the previous CEOs had to do - pander to the politicians' wishes.

Lets hope that PB won't be put in that position now or in the future!

flee wrote:

juliuswong wrote:

Nah, MH will never return to US. PB stated so many times, the boat has sailed long ago for them. MH commands little brand recognition on trans Pacific routes, it will be a struggle to build the brand from scratch.

In PB, they have a CEO who is an aviation professional. If they do silly things, we can only deduce that those decisions are taken by their political masters who know nothing about running an airline. This was what the previous CEOs had to do - pander to the politicians' wishes.

Lets hope that PB won't be put in that position now or in the future!

Or if he stays long enough to execute all the turnaround plans. Hahaha!

Malaysia Airlines has signed LoI for six used A330-223s from AerCap.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/busi ... a330-200s/

"According to a press release issued Wednesday, the six aircraft have similar features and the same Pratt & Whitney engines as the airline's current A330-300 fleet. It will feature a two class configuration, 287 seats with 19 fully lie flat Business Class seats, brand new IFE on all seats and WiFi."

Most probably from Air Berlin.

juliuswong wrote:

Malaysia Airlines has signed LoI for six used A330-223s from AerCap.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/busi ... a330-200s/

"According to a press release issued Wednesday, the six aircraft have similar features and the same Pratt & Whitney engines as the airline's current A330-300 fleet. It will feature a two class configuration, 287 seats with 19 fully lie flat Business Class seats, brand new IFE on all seats and WiFi."

Most probably from Air Berlin.

According to FlightGlobal, the aircraft are indeed ex Air Berlin
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... 33-441559/

juliuswong wrote:

Malaysia Airlines has signed LoI for six used A330-223s from AerCap.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/busi ... a330-200s/

"According to a press release issued Wednesday, the six aircraft have similar features and the same Pratt & Whitney engines as the airline's current A330-300 fleet. It will feature a two class configuration, 287 seats with 19 fully lie flat Business Class seats, brand new IFE on all seats and WiFi."

Most probably from Air Berlin.

This is excellent news indeed. I can see this starting to pan out now. These A332 will provide much needed uplift during this transition period. 789 can replace them if the order comes to fruition. 339 perhaps can replace 333 and even 350. I love the idea of the 339 ini MH livery. Will be a stunner. That would mean a 339/789 fleet for the long-term. Or 339/350.

NZ321 wrote:

juliuswong wrote:

Malaysia Airlines has signed LoI for six used A330-223s from AerCap.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/busi ... a330-200s/

"According to a press release issued Wednesday, the six aircraft have similar features and the same Pratt & Whitney engines as the airline's current A330-300 fleet. It will feature a two class configuration, 287 seats with 19 fully lie flat Business Class seats, brand new IFE on all seats and WiFi."

Most probably from Air Berlin.

This is excellent news indeed. I can see this starting to pan out now. These A332 will provide much needed uplift during this transition period. 789 can replace them if the order comes to fruition. 339 perhaps can replace 333 and even 350. I love the idea of the 339 ini MH livery. Will be a stunner. That would mean a 339/789 fleet for the long-term. Or 339/350.

Yes indeed, totally agree with you. Marvellous! Now MH have a more defined direction under Peter Bellew. Hopefully he stays long enough to see a complete makeover. A332 will provide extra lift for short-to-medium trunk routes which are currently overbooked. It can do flight to India, China, Bangaldesh and some short hops around SEA when the need arise. This was what MH did with their previous A332 fleet, before they were retired. These six A332 are replacing few B738NG which are leaving the fleet this year. A339 in MH's livery would be nice, although I think a new standard branding is long overdue. Despite the recent B789 order, Peter mentioned A339neo is still in the running to replace A333 and for expansion. In future, we may see B737MAX, A339neo, B789 and A359 fleet. This is all good for spotters in KUL! AirAsia Group with A321ceo, A320neo, A320ceo, A339neo and A359, MH with B737NG, B737MAX, B789, A339neo, A350!!

Spotting at KUL is a drag. Terminal so far from airside and airport a long distance from town. Shame. Lots of interesting metal at KUL.

Hopefully the 332s take over the 738s which have found themselves on a near 6 hour flight to PER these days.

Good news that these planes have a new home.

Takes a big chunk out of any ideas of any thoughts of AB LH continuing.

MH might have got them on a steal of a lease deal from AerCap. Minimal reconfiguration, good rates for an existing customer and the engine type is MH compatible.

flee wrote:

MAB today reiterated that the MoU for the 787 is just a MoU with nothing firm. The only firm order is for 25 737 Max. I think that the media (especially the Malaysian media) has been going ballistic over this MoU that they needed to clarify the situation:

See: https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en/ ... g-MoU.html

Words in that press release have been chosen carefully. For example:

We would like to reiterate that as of now, we have a firm order of 25 Boeing 737 aircraft with everything else being optional. The options, as well as a variety of other arrangements including the recent MoU with Boeing, will allow us to have some flexibility in deciding which aircraft suits our operational environment best.

In other words "we may as well never operate 787s".

Then again, if MH wants to receive 787s in Q3 2019 as the press release states, the deal will have to be firmed up quickly.

The recent MOU to potentially add eight of the widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to our fleet from Quarter 3 in 2019 is to add capacity to the airline’s widebody fleet and provide a high level of quality on its most lucrative routes.

Furthermore, the articles gives us a glimpse about possible routes for the 787:

The 787-9 has one of the longest ranges of any commercial aircraft and can operate non-stop from Kuala Lumpur to any point in Europe as well as key cities on the west coast of the United States. The same aircraft can similarly operate high quality services to Tokyo or flights of up to 17 hours, offering great flexibility for the airline to manage a variety of market opportunities over the next 20 years.

Last but not least the press release mentions A330neo aircraft as possible A330 replacement equipment in the future.

But surely so can the A350 do the job quoted above for the same reasons that the 789 can.

NZ321 wrote:

But surely so can the A350 do the job quoted above for the same reasons that the 789 can.

Yes, but it is larger and heavier so the economics (revenue and operating) might not pencil out as well. Remember that MH cut almost all of their European routes because they were losing money. You could argue that even LHR with the A350 is a hedged bet since the frames are leased, not owned, so worst-case scenario and that doesn't work, MH can cancel the lease and shed the planes at a far lower cost and risk than if they owned them (i.e. their A380s).

Since MH would own their 787s, I expect they're being careful and conservative in their analysis before they decide whether or not to commit to taking them and, if so, deploying them on such routes. MH does want to grow their Northeast Asian operations (Korea, Japan and China) and for that the A330-900 would be fine, as well, but it can't make Western Europe with the payload the 787-9 can. So if they do feel Europe is a go, they will firm the MoU. If they don't, they may let it expire and just go A330-900.

Another wrinkle is the A330-200s coming from Air Berlin. They can also make Western Europe with a solid payload and they're even smaller than the 787-9 so not as risky on a load-factor basis while re-growing the routes. The disadvantage is their fuel burn is a fair bit higher. While fuel is "cheap", that's not as much an issue and may make them economically viable for the time being and therefore they may decide to use them, instead of the 787s, and order the A330-900 for North Asia.

bennett123 wrote:

Good news that these planes have a new home.

Takes a big chunk out of any ideas of any thoughts of AB LH continuing.

AB had 17 A330s. MH take six, that leaves eleven. After 16th October, all will be returned off lease, so who is to say which particular six are going to MH ? Looking at their config, I can only imagine that they will decrease the space in what was Air Berlin XL Seats area to build up to the required economy config. Exterior, a lick of white at the back, paint out the airberlin on the side and away you go ! With LH saying that they operate the TXL - JFK and DUS - MIA routes only until Eurowings get more Aircraft, I am sure some of the AB A330 fleet will end up in the LH Group.

Can anyone tell me how it is that MH adjusted schedule to / from AKL helps connectivity? I think that was the justification. If you look at arrivals into KUL which arrive in time to connect with the new 0830 daily departure (except Sundays when it is 0805) there is very little except from India (Hyerdabad, . Meanwhile passengers face a further layover in AKL if they need a domestic connection. Going the other way, it means a long connection in Auckland for a departure to KL after midnight. Thoughts?

Stitch wrote:

NZ321 wrote:

But surely so can the A350 do the job quoted above for the same reasons that the 789 can.

Since MH would own their 787s, I expect they're being careful and conservative in their analysis before they decide whether or not to commit to taking them and, if so, deploying them on such routes. MH does want to grow their Northeast Asian operations (Korea, Japan and China) and for that the A330-900 would be fine, as well, but it can't make Western Europe with the payload the 787-9 can. So if they do feel Europe is a go, they will firm the MoU. If they don't, they may let it expire and just go A330-900.

Another wrinkle is the A330-200s coming from Air Berlin. They can also make Western Europe with a solid payload and they're even smaller than the 787-9 so not as risky on a load-factor basis while re-growing the routes. The disadvantage is their fuel burn is a fair bit higher. While fuel is "cheap", that's not as much an issue and may make them economically viable for the time being and therefore they may decide to use them, instead of the 787s, and order the A330-900 for North
Asia.

Are you sure they will actually own the 787s? From what I gather, this whole 787 scenario was PM Najib grandstanding in front of Trump. Not only for the 787 but specifically for GE engines to boot! Reading local media in Malaysia, everyone is scratching their heads as to where the money is coming from to buy these planes, I think it will never happen.

scotron11 wrote:

Are you sure they will actually own the 787s?

Well the MoU was signed with Boeing, not a lessor. Though it is possible that if MH does choose to add the 787 to their fleet, they will do so via lease and that lessor will place the order with Boeing.

Or MH arranges a sale and leaseback deal after delivery, just as many other airlines do.

NZ321 wrote:

Can anyone tell me how it is that MH adjusted schedule to / from AKL helps connectivity? I think that was the justification. If you look at arrivals into KUL which arrive in time to connect with the new 0830 daily departure (except Sundays when it is 0805) there is very little except from India (Hyerdabad, . Meanwhile passengers face a further layover in AKL if they need a domestic connection. Going the other way, it means a long connection in Auckland for a departure to KL after midnight. Thoughts?

It's often the case where it is a longer connection in 1 direction. All the other Asian flights to AKL depart in the evening from Asia but a lot SQ, CX, TG also return home in the evening which is great for European connections but not as good for a lot of Asian services.

These A332's are said to be 268Y 19J, which is quite dense so maybe used more in Asia to increase capacity on some 738 routes and free up A333's for Australia.

MH will take the ex Air Berlin jets from Feb 18 at one frame a month

First route to see the A332 will be KUL-AKL. Other routes will include KUL-BKK, KUL-CGK, KUL-BOM, KUL-DEL.

The A332 will also be deployed to SIN & HKG during peak travel periods

https://www.ausbt.com.au/malaysia-airli ... o-auckland

Given the business class is 19 J and Air Berlin also 19 J do we assume the seats will not change? I note they are in a 1-2-1 config but are they the same as MH new J class?

NZ321 wrote:

Given the business class is 19 J and Air Berlin also 19 J do we assume the seats will not change? I note they are in a 1-2-1 config but are they the same as MH new J class?

Already confirmed the seats remain just seat covers changed.

EK413

Seat Maestro shows 279 economy. MH plan 287 according to Air Berlin thread. Thats 8 more seats. So that means an extra row in Y?

NZ321 wrote:

Seat Maestro shows 279 economy. MH plan 287 according to Air Berlin thread. Thats 8 more seats. So that means an extra row in Y?

Do they have a long haul crew rest? Otherwise Air Berlin probably blocked a row of Y seats for crew? Not sure what MH plan to do.

From A330neo production thread:

ap305 wrote:

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-airlines-order/malaysia-airlines-ceo-eyes-a330neo-tests-as-order-decision-nears-idUSKBN1CI1JA

Malaysia Airlines is watching the testing of the Airbus A330neo due to enter service next year as it evaluates an order for around 30 long-haul aircraft, CEO Peter Bellew said on Friday

The linked story in the post above by ap305 makes clear, why MH leased the six A330 from Air Berlin - to buy time.

Brixerl wrote:

The linked story in the post above by ap305 makes clear, why MH leased the six A330 from Air Berlin - to buy time.

The last sentence is interesting.

Bellew also said the proposed longer-range version of the A330neo could be “an interesting aircraft”.

Well an MOU is just an MOU and no firm order. Lets wait and see.

A330neo should be the answer, its the perfect aircraft for them

I agree. It offers unrivalled comfort in economy and no noticeable difference in Business to the 787. It won't do routes of the length the 787-9 can do but then the A350 can do that and MH already have A350 on order with delivery imminent. I can see the NEO getting a solid footing in the Malaysia-NZ-Australia market and taking on some secondary route expansion to Europe. Plus MH already operate a sizeable fleet of A330 so the transition would be seamless. Keeping my fingers crossed.

NZ321 wrote:

I agree. It offers unrivalled comfort in economy and no noticeable difference in Business to the 787. It won't do routes of the length the 787-9 can do but then the A350 can do that and MH already have A350 on order with delivery imminent. I can see the NEO getting a solid footing in the Malaysia-NZ-Australia market and taking on some secondary route expansion to Europe. Plus MH already operate a sizeable fleet of A330 so the transition would be seamless. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Considering the situation of MH I am really wondering if they really need all of those aircraft no matter if B or A.

Well, at the moment greater KL is sizeable population with very few long haul international routes. Other airlines are taking this traffic via BKK or SIN or DXB or DOH or HKG. Plus BA to LHR and KL to AMS. There is surely room for MH to expand if they can do it prudently and they also need to replace the A330s in the medium term. So with a potential order for 30 aircraft this would replace 18 A333 and 6 A332 plus allow 6 aircraft for expansion. They could then decide not to go ahead with the 789 and convert those back to 738 Max and the A350 replace the A380. Doesn't seem excessive to me.

I believe the 787 fiasco was all PM Najib Razak showing off to Donald Trump as the DOJ has named him as a crook! I believe the MOU with Boeing will not be firmed up as the A350 will do the same job and as mentioned, delivery is expected soon.

SQ22 wrote:

NZ321 wrote:

I agree. It offers unrivalled comfort in economy and no noticeable difference in Business to the 787. It won't do routes of the length the 787-9 can do but then the A350 can do that and MH already have A350 on order with delivery imminent. I can see the NEO getting a solid footing in the Malaysia-NZ-Australia market and taking on some secondary route expansion to Europe. Plus MH already operate a sizeable fleet of A330 so the transition would be seamless. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Considering the situation of MH I am really wondering if they really need all of those aircraft no matter if B or A.

I am not sure if you are following the statements that MAB has been putting out from time to time. Here is a summary:

MAB's A380 are surplus to their requirements - they simply can't fill the aircraft on its scheduled routes. So the A380 is not making money for them and will leave the fleet next year - they will be replaced by the A350s (deliveries commence in December).

MAB has a surplus of B738s and a shortage of A330s - this will be addressed shortly when the B738 leases (for six aircraft) expire and will be replaced by new leases for ex-Air Berlin A330-200s (deliveries commencing in Feb 2018).

The leases of MAB's current fleet of A330-300s are due to expire in the coming years and they are now looking for something more efficient to replace them, hence this order for 25 widebodies - 15 for replacement and 10 for growth. It should be noted that the aircraft are not needed immediately - they will be delivered over several years.

With regards to the B787-9 MoU, I have no idea where it will fit in but I suspect it will have some impact on the order for their A330-300 replacements.

Since Asia is MAB's big market, and airport infrastructure development is lagging behind, they have also taken some steps to ensure that they have enough capacity to fulfil demand. That is why buying more B737-10 Max and A330s will make sense as these will be needed for their Asian destinations.

flee wrote:

With regards to the B787-9 MoU, I have no idea where it will fit in but I suspect it will have some impact on the order for their A330-300 replacements.

I fully agree with you and thats why I have my doubt why they would need both 787 and NEO.

scotron11 wrote:

I believe the 787 fiasco was all PM Najib Razak showing off to Donald Trump as the DOJ has named him as a crook! I believe the MOU with Boeing will not be firmed up as the A350 will do the same job and as mentioned, delivery is expected soon.

Likely - we shall see.

scotron11 wrote:

I believe the 787 fiasco was all PM Najib Razak showing off to Donald Trump as the DOJ has named him as a crook! I believe the MOU with Boeing will not be firmed up as the A350 will do the same job and as mentioned, delivery is expected soon.

Well if the 787 MoU was designed to get the USDOJ off Razak's back, then not turning it into an order would be counter-productive, wouldn't it? Cancel the MoU and the USDOJ would restart the investigation - and probably be even more zealous in doing so since the quid pro quo would be rebuffed.

Let us not also forget that the six A350-900s incoming are leased frames designed specifically to replace the A380-800 services to LHR. I expect the engines are under RR TotalCare maintenance contracts and would not be surprised if the airframes are covered by non-MAB maintenance contracts, as well. So MAB could have minimal investment in the type and therefore not saddled with a lot of ancillaries that would inventive them to continue adding more. MAB could therefore theoretically decide on the 787 (and perhaps A330neo, as well) as their widebody fleet strategy going forward with the six A350-900s serving a specific role and eventually going away when their leases expire.

Stitch wrote:

Let us not also forget that the six A350-900s incoming are leased frames designed specifically to replace the A380-800 services to LHR. I expect the engines are under RR TotalCare maintenance contracts and would not be surprised if the airframes are covered by non-MAB maintenance contracts, as well. So MAB could have minimal investment in the type and therefore not saddled with a lot of ancillaries that would inventive them to continue adding more. MAB could therefore theoretically decide on the 787 (and perhaps A330neo, as well) as their widebody fleet strategy going forward with the six A350-900s serving a specific role and eventually going away when their leases expire.

Sounds reasonable, but I still do not understand why they are interested in the proposed longer range version of the NEO if they intend to sign the 789 MOU.

SQ22 wrote:

Sounds reasonable, but I still do not understand why they are interested in the proposed longer range version of the NEO if they intend to sign the 789 MOU.

Well the current focus of MAB is North Asia (China, Korea and Japan) and that market is perfect for the A330-900. However CEO Bellew did note at the 787-9 MoU signing that MH was considering restarting terminated services to AMS, CDG and LAX as well as new services to SFO and JFK. AMS and CDG seem more reasonable to me (and analysts) than the US, so this could explain the MoU is for only 8 frames as that would be enough for three to four cities. I see it as a "dipping the toe in the waters" with a more efficient and smaller frame than what they had (777-200ER) to see if the economics work out.