Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) managing director Izham Ismail said the airline has identified three technical issues linked with factory production quality and the aircraft’s delivery.
“Malaysia Airlines has suffered a series of technical issues arising from poor quality work from the factory and this has impacted the airline’s inaugural flight,” New Straits Times quoted him as saying.
“The aircraft is currently grounded for repairs. We need Airbus and Rolls-Royce to investigate the root cause of these issues on the brand-new aircraft.
“OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) must be held accountable. This happening to a brand-new aircraft is not acceptable. To me, it’s embarrassing.
“The root cause is in the factory and it is affecting the reputation and brand of Malaysia Airlines. It’s unfair for the brand. Safety is paramount. I will not risk anything on safety.”
On Dec 19, MAG held a grand celebration to unveil its new A330neo, a widebody aircraft powered by a Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine.
Senior executives from Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and aircraft lessor Avolon were present at the event held at MAG’s Hangar 6 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The A330neo, the first of the 20 aircraft ordered in 2022, made its maiden flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne via flight MH149, but it was cut short after experiencing technical issues involving its engine and hydraulic systems.
The technical issues occurred again the next day, resulting in the aircraft being grounded for repairs upon returning to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Airlines cancelled flight MH149 to Melbourne on Dec 21 as the issues persisted.
An Airbus spokesman said it is ready to support Malaysia Airlines with any technical issues surrounding the new aircraft.
Izham said flights to Melbourne from Kuala Lumpur will temporarily be serviced by another aircraft model. - FMT
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