Malaysia Airlines has temporarily grounded its first and only Airbus A330-900neo after completing just two round-trip flights. Multiple technical defects emerged during its inaugural passenger flight to Melbourne on December 19, 2024.

According to Aviation2Z, Engine and hydraulic system complications forced the flight to return prematurely. Technical issues resurfaced the following day, necessitating the aircraft’s grounding upon its return to Kuala Lumpur. The persistent problems led to the cancellation of flight MH149 to Melbourne on December 21.

Malaysia Aviation Group’s Managing Director, Izham Ismail, has revealed that three significant technical issues were identified in the airline’s newly delivered Airbus A330-900neo, attributing them to flaws in manufacturing quality control and delivery processes.

The situation raises serious concerns about manufacturing oversight at Airbus and the airline has called on Airbus and Rolls-Royce to take immediate action to investigate and address these deficiencies.

In an interview with the New Straits Times, Ismail expressed his frustration, describing the defects as unacceptable for a brand-new aircraft. He also emphasized the reputational damage caused to Malaysia Airlines, stating that the airline has been unfairly impacted by factory-related quality issues.

This incident has raised serious questions about manufacturing oversight at Airbus. Ismail has urged original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to take greater responsibility, stressing that such problems undermine the airline’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

While the aircraft was initially grounded for 48 hours, its scheduled rotation to Melbourne on December 23, 2024, has also been cancelled.

About the new A330-900neo

The grounded aircraft features a two-class layout with 28 business-class seats in a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration, complete with private suite doors, and 269 economy-class seats, including 24 with extended legroom. It is the first of 20 A330-900neo jets ordered by Malaysia Airlines to replace its aging A330-300 fleet and support future route expansion.

The aircraft, registered as 9M-MNG, is Malaysia Airlines' first A330-900neo from Airbus. It was delivered from Toulouse on November 29, 2024, and officially introduced to the airline’s fleet on December 19, 2024, during a ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

It is the first of 20 A330-900neo jets ordered by Malaysia Airlines to replace its current aging A330-300 fleet.