MAS Privatisation

[jahur 0]

37 minutes ago, Craig said:

Do I remember correctly that MH was expecting to receive their 1st A339 sometime Q4 2023 and now it has been pushed further back to Q3 2024? Does this mean the A332 will serve AKL for at least another year (unless the leased A359 will take over AKL)? CX 350 would have been a nice addition.

Global supply chain issue for the a330neo. Unless they buy off peoples slot(not happening). 

Currently AKL seems to be adhoc served by 2x weekly a350. Part of the 4 additional a350 can be used to temporary limit the a332 deployment to akl mid next year until the a330neo comes. But again how efficiently does MH plans is up to debate. 

The 1st a350 coming to MH will retain SAS config and to ensure  Doha is full a350 plus to allow at least some of the fleet to get back to Narita and allow more adhoc AKL deployment. 

Edited August 14, 2023 by jahur

[Tom/PER 0]

The oldest A333ceo is only 12 years old, whilst the newest -MTO has even celebrated her 10th birthday yet.

These A333’s are barely at half-life and fulfil the regional (intra Asia routes) perfectly, hoping these remain in the fleet for those missions.

Also as a side note -MTD hasn’t flown since 21 June, is this just maintenance related? 

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, Craig said:

I understand that CX's 359 aren't available. Just saying that would have been a nice (missed) addition. Thank you for HX's 359 status - I didn't know that the 359s are gone from HX for good and that they don't have any 359-rated pilots. 

As for MH's 332, I read further up that their lease was extended for another 5 years but I wasn't expecting them to fly to AKL for another year given the challenges these planes pose for this long-haul sector. The 339s were primed for AKL but I also recall (correctly, I hope) that they were expecting their first plane Q4 2023 but it seems like it has been delayed by another 3 quarters.

The sudden opening of China and Hong Kong borders could have led to sudden unavailability of CX frames, unless MH has sizeable B77Ws fleet then, it would have been a good addition to MH fleet too. EY, VA and CX were looking for airlines to take their fleet. Now all are going to different airlines to meet pent-up market demand (EY reactivating some of their B77Ws, some ex-EY going to AI, VA's have gone QR and scrappers, CX going to QR and some Russian/ Turkish Airlines, SQ's going to AI), MH lagged badly in snapping up extra capacity.

HNA Group, specifically Hong Kong Airlines, is half of what it used to be under the new management. A350s are all offloaded, those few new A330 ntu heading straight for freighter conversion, most expat cockpit crew has left (same as CX), A330 fleet is now the mainstay for long haul fleet, A320 for short and regional fleet. 

Australia/ NZ will be the first region to get A330neo definitely, but as mentioned above supply chain issue has pushed back MH first delivery to Q4, 2024, beggars cannot be chooser, unless MH/ Avolon want to pay top dollar to both Airbus and interior furnishing OEMs to accelerate their queue number. Hence, at the very moment MH placed the order, it was Q4, 2023 delivery slot already. The story would have been different if MH swopped in and take over AirAsia X's/ GA's cancelled slot, they can have at least seven or eight airframes by now. Airbus offered for cheap too. Plus MH would have match the delivery date with the retirement of first few A330-300. Hindsight 20/20.

I do hope MH will refurbish those newer A330-300 which are staying, operating beside A330-900 though, but knowing it is MH, small hope.

Edited August 14, 2023 by JuliusWong

[JuliusWong 0]

2 minutes ago, Tom/PER said:

The oldest A333ceo is only 12 years old, whilst the newest -MTO has even celebrated her 10th birthday yet.

These A333’s are barely at half-life and fulfil the regional (intra Asia routes) perfectly, hoping these remain in the fleet for those missions.

Also as a side note -MTD hasn’t flown since 21 June, is this just maintenance related? 

The A330ceo specifically -300ceo are pretty banged up inside though, even though they are barely half life, in dire need of mid-life refurbishment. Maintenance is a serious lacking on MH front. CX has some of the oldest A330-300ceo flying, some touch 25th year mark but inside is spotless.

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, jahur said:

Global supply chain issue for the a330neo. Unless they buy off peoples slot(not happening). 

Currently AKL seems to be adhoc served by 2x weekly a350. Part of the 4 additional a350 can be used to temporary limit the a332 deployment to akl mid next year until the a330neo comes. But again how efficiently does MH plans is up to debate. 

The 1st a350 coming to MH will retain SAS config and to ensure  Doha is full a350 plus to allow at least some of the fleet to get back to Narita and allow more adhoc AKL deployment. 

Will be a headache for ground crew to allocate seat since SAS A350 has C40W32Y228, MH's F4C35Y247, especially those who booked Business Suite might feel jaded. J class pax should be in for a treat since they have Thompson Vantage XL seat compared to Mh's own non-XL ones. Some Y pax will be upgraded to premium economy with proper reclining seat with footrest.

[Mr.Bandit 0]

4 hours ago, Tom/PER said:

Also as a side note -MTD hasn’t flown since 21 June, is this just maintenance related? 

Yes, under 8C maintenance check. Should be serviceable to fly by next week.

[sweekee 0]

Yes yes yes woohoo

[JuliusWong 0]

9 hours ago, sweekee said:

Yes yes yes woohoo

Need to take planerspotters.net and skyliner-aviation.de data update with pinch of salt, both websites are updated by volunteers.

[JuliusWong 0]

On 8/14/2023 at 11:26 AM, JuliusWong said:

On the A350 availability on the used market: only nine are available, the rest have all been mopped up by Lufthansa (8), Delta (9), Air India (6), Iberia (2) and Fiji Airways (4). Thai Airways is looking to add 11 more A350-900, two delivered, looking for another nine now.

1. MSN 124 (ex-Hong Kong Airlines B-LGA), currently with Azul, rumoured to be leaving
2. MSN 153 (ex-Hong Kong Airlines B-LGB)
3. MSN 168 (ex-Hong Kong Airlines B-LGC), currently with Azul, rumoured to be leaving
4. MSN 187 (ex-Hong Kong Airlines B-LGD)
5. MSN 235 (ex-Hong Kong Airlines B-LGE)
6. MSN 246 (ex- Hainan Airlines B-308G)
7. MSN 256 (ex- Hong Kong Airlines B-LGH)
8. MSN 378 (ex- SAS Scandinavian Airlines SE-RSB)
9. MSN 391 (ex- SAS Scandinavian Airlines SE-RSC)

Apparently MSN 245 which was originally scheduled to join Lufthansa is now joining Thai Airways, this will be their third additional A350. (ex-Hainan Airlines B-305A and South African Airways ZS-SDD). Arriving on August 4, 2023 at Lufthansa Teknik Malta for pre-delivery check. 

Avolon A350-941 OE-IPX by Frankie Zahra, on Flickr

First two were MSN 351 HS-THO (ex-Hainan Airlines B-30DM) and MSN 355 (ex-Hainan Airlines B-30DP)

Edited August 15, 2023 by JuliusWong

[Chris Tan 0]

On 8/14/2023 at 2:51 AM, Tom/PER said:

The oldest A333ceo is only 12 years old, whilst the newest -MTO has even celebrated her 10th birthday yet.

These A333’s are barely at half-life and fulfil the regional (intra Asia routes) perfectly, hoping these remain in the fleet for those missions.

Also as a side note -MTD hasn’t flown since 21 June, is this just maintenance related? 

I wouldn't say a 10-12 year old 333 is particularly young. Sure, they can operate for many more years in general, but hopefully not with MH. Unless they on doing complete refurbishments of old aircraft (DL style), which seems unlikely given MH's track record, I hope they're retired sooner than later.

[Robert 0]

On 8/14/2023 at 4:54 PM, jahur said:

Global supply chain issue for the a330neo. Unless they buy off peoples slot(not happening). 

Currently AKL seems to be adhoc served by 2x weekly a350. Part of the 4 additional a350 can be used to temporary limit the a332 deployment to akl mid next year until the a330neo comes. But again how efficiently does MH plans is up to debate. 

The 1st a350 coming to MH will retain SAS config and to ensure  Doha is full a350 plus to allow at least some of the fleet to get back to Narita and allow more adhoc AKL deployment. 

MH149/148 are now showing as operated by a A359 from late 31 Dec 2023 

[Craig 0]

3 hours ago, Robert said:

MH149/148 are now showing as operated by a A359 from late 31 Dec 2023 

Interesting. So they have MH 1-4 (3 frames), MH 160-161 (1 frame, F/J not open for reservations yet), MH 148/149 (1 frame, F open for reservations), MH 36/37 (1 frame, not open for reservations yet in all classes), and MH 88/89 (1 frame) and all of them showing MH's 359 configuration. If I have to guess, it'd be MH 160-161 (DOH) that'll get the SK's 359 cabin. And soon MH 164-165 when they receive SK's second A359.

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, Craig said:

Interesting. So they have MH 1-4 (3 frames), MH 160-161 (1 frame, F/J not open for reservations yet), MH 148/149 (1 frame, F open for reservations), MH 36/37 (1 frame, not open for reservations yet in all classes), and MH 88/89 (1 frame) and all of them showing MH's 359 configuration. If I have to guess, it'd be MH 160-161 (DOH) that'll get the SK's 359 cabin. And soon MH 164-165 when they receive SK's second A359.

The two ex-SAS A350s are not confirmed for MH at the moment as there are conflicting information. Some portals reporting both are going to MH, some saying both to CI, some are saying CI and MH are getting one each. Do be careful when you make the reservation.

[jahur 0]

New Boeing 737 MAX supplier defect to delay aircraft deliveries

The new supply-chain snag is the latest issue to impede deliveries of the cash-generating MAX following Boeing's disclosure of a problem in April that Spirit had improperly installed brackets joining the aft fuselage to the vertical tail.

Boeing confirmed that the latest issue will delay the first MAX 8 delivery to Malaysia Airlines, which had scheduled an Aug. 28 arrival event.

 

When these manufacturing giants looking to appease greedy shareholders and bean counters by going overseas for that sweet cheap labor and false PR gimmick. Then crowd assign so many different foreign companies building parts for a vehicle just to fill the "inclusivity ESG" criteria and then easing the tap flow letting foreign entity have more dictating process in manufacturing of parts so that they get an easier gov approval to setup factory overseas.

=Quality control in the dumpster. Its the same sentiment for some of the airbuses and boeings being assembled in China.

 

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, jahur said:

New Boeing 737 MAX supplier defect to delay aircraft deliveries

The new supply-chain snag is the latest issue to impede deliveries of the cash-generating MAX following Boeing's disclosure of a problem in April that Spirit had improperly installed brackets joining the aft fuselage to the vertical tail.

Boeing confirmed that the latest issue will delay the first MAX 8 delivery to Malaysia Airlines, which had scheduled an Aug. 28 arrival event.

When these manufacturing giants looking to appease greedy shareholders and bean counters by going overseas for that sweet cheap labor and false PR gimmick. Then crowd assign so many different foreign companies building parts for a vehicle just to fill the "inclusivity ESG" criteria and then easing the tap flow letting foreign entity have more dictating process in manufacturing of parts so that they get an easier gov approval to setup factory overseas.

=Quality control in the dumpster. Its the same sentiment for some of the airbuses and boeings being assembled in China.

Gonna be a bit of mess for MAG to sort out with all the invites gone out earlier to all the VVIPs, high rollers and influenzas. 

Hope Boeing can get the issue sorted soon. It seems Boeing can't catch a breath. B737max with its various issues, B787 issue just getting sorted and rework on 100+ being carried our now. Then 77X needs to be certified at soonest.

[Izanee 0]

2 hours ago, JuliusWong said:

Gonna be a bit of mess for MAG to sort out with all the invites gone out earlier to all the VVIPs, high rollers and influenzas. 

Hope Boeing can get the issue sorted soon. It seems Boeing can't catch a breath. B737max with its various issues, B787 issue just getting sorted and rework on 100+ being carried our now. Then 77X needs to be certified at soonest.

Hopefully not ‘influenzas’ but influencers? Hahah

[Craig 0]

I am curious if MH is pulling out of HND beginning next month? MH36 to HND ends on 16SEP whilst MH70 to NRT begins on 17SEP. MH previously loaded MH36/37 for NW23/24 schedules but was never opened for sale and aeroroutes reported that MH36/37 was removed from schedule and replaced with MH70/71 instead. Did MH have problems securing HND slots for NW23/24 or is MH70/71 schedule better for MH (and does this mean MH will no longer serve HND in the future)?

Looking ahead, MH36/37 is loaded for Northern Summer 2024 (begins end of March) schedule but not open for sale where as MH70/71 is loaded and opened for sale.

NH885/886 (HND-KUL) seems to be remain at 5x for the longest time even tho other SEA cities with similar nighttime schedule has been restored back to daily.

Edited August 24, 2023 by Craig

[Craig 0]

MH will add Amritsar to its network beginning 10NOV23 (7th destination in India after DEL, BOM, MAA, BLR, HYD, COK). 

Quote

Malaysia Airlines’ flights will operate from KUL on Mondays and Fridays, departing at 11:00 p.m. and arriving at 2:30 a.m. the next day, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. The return service from ATQ leaves on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3:30 a.m. and arrives in Malaysia’s capital at 11:45 a.m.

Not your typical India flight schedule (usually a few hours earlier) but they are planning to use the 738s for this flight?! It's 2,653 miles as the crow flies (slightly closer than KUL-PKX and slightly further than KUL-PER).

[Craig 0]

16 hours ago, Craig said:

MH will add Amritsar to its network beginning 10NOV23 (7th destination in India after DEL, BOM, MAA, BLR, HYD, COK). 

Flight numbers will be MH206 and MH207. I can't be the only OCD person who thinks that MH number their flights akin to throwing darts at the wall. How much effort/$  will it cost them to redo all their flight numbers? I always thought MH 101-119 / 170-199 is reserved for South Asia. MH 201-204 was previously used for JNB/CPT/EZE. Another good example is HKG MH72/73/78/79 and the 3rd flight used to be MH4xx but China/Taiwan is MH3xx (with occasional MH4xx to tertiary cities in China previously).

Make it simple, e.g.:

1. MH1-49: Europe
2. MH50-99: Japan/South Korea + US 
3. MH100-199: ANZ
4. MH200-299: South Asia + Middle East + Africa 
5. MH300-399: Greater China
6. MH600-699: Singapore
7. MH700-899: ASEAN ex. SIN

Or if they really want to plan for the future where they might fly more than 24 times a day to Europe, the MH1-99: Europe, MH200-299: JP/KR + US, MH400-599: South Asia + Middle East + Africa.

I am curious if they are sticking to the same flight numbers for historical/sentimental reasons. e.g. MH88/89 to NRT, MH 72/73 to HKG etc.

Edited August 28, 2023 by Craig

[JuliusWong 0]

18 hours ago, Craig said:

MH will add Amritsar to its network beginning 10NOV23 (7th destination in India after DEL, BOM, MAA, BLR, HYD, COK). 

Not your typical India flight schedule (usually a few hours earlier) but they are planning to use the 738s for this flight?! It's 2,653 miles as the crow flies (slightly closer than KUL-PKX and slightly further than KUL-PER).

Not sure what type of customers they are targeting, if they are planning to capture ATQ- Australia/ NZ market, the timing into and out of ATQ is pretty bad for any connecting traffic. SQ/TR are timing their departure and arrivals to allow decent connection with their Australia/NZ bank.

[Robert 0]

Flagship Route: How Malaysia Airlines’ Airbus A350s Meet Demand Between London & Kuala Lumpur

Simple Flying spoke with the carrier's management about its aircraft and network.

https://simpleflying.com/malaysia-airlines-airbus-a350s-meet-demand-london-heathrow-kuala-lumpur/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Echobox-SF&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1cagvOfeiwngsFH_swcohuTMtf3Ddibc1lcuzCQ4L7GAc9IXlOlATz_vI#Echobox=1693193497

[Craig 0]

3 hours ago, Robert said:

Flagship Route: How Malaysia Airlines’ Airbus A350s Meet Demand Between London & Kuala Lumpur

Not much MH can do other than leasing A35Ks or bigger aircraft for LHR. There are no rights restriction but getting a slot is next to impossible.

On a side note, QR is pretty much wet leasing MH's aircraft to DOH. With the new 359 scheduled to DOH, MH will sell 4F, 4J, 47Y (including 5 Y+) seats with the rest being sold by QR. MH is currently selling 6J, 53Y (including 4 Y+ seats) on their 333 flights to DOH. Can't imagine MH selling a lot of beyond DOH tickets on QR.

[JuliusWong 0]

16 hours ago, Robert said:

Flagship Route: How Malaysia Airlines’ Airbus A350s Meet Demand Between London & Kuala Lumpur

Simple Flying spoke with the carrier's management about its aircraft and network.

https://simpleflying.com/malaysia-airlines-airbus-a350s-meet-demand-london-heathrow-kuala-lumpur/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Echobox-SF&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1cagvOfeiwngsFH_swcohuTMtf3Ddibc1lcuzCQ4L7GAc9IXlOlATz_vI#Echobox=1693193497

The third pair slot was leased to Air India in 2007 in exchange for more frequencies into some Indian cities if I remember correctly (or was it more frequencies into New Delhi)? The previous route KUL-LGK-LHR vv., KUL-PEN-LHR were bleeding cash and was eventually chopped of during Idris Jala's time. Back then each slot worth around GBP 20million. MH would have earn quite a bit from the lease or sell?

There are a lot of information in this Airliners.net thread.

Edited August 29, 2023 by JuliusWong

[KK Lee 5]

9 hours ago, JuliusWong said:

The third pair slot was leased to Air India in 2007 in exchange for more frequencies into some Indian cities if I remember correctly (or was it more frequencies into New Delhi)? The previous route KUL-LGK-LHR vv., KUL-PEN-LHR were bleeding cash and was eventually chopped of during Idris Jala's time. Back then each slot worth around GBP 20million. MH would have earn quite a bit from the lease or sell?

There are a lot of information in this Airliners.net thread.

In the contrary, MH slots at LHR was contra to AI for outstanding payment.

[Robert 0]

15 hours ago, KK Lee said:

In the contrary, MH slots at LHR was contra to AI for outstanding payment.

what was the outstanding payment for ?