Latest news with #A330MultiRoleTankerTransport
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Airbus highlights deepening defence partnership with Malaysia at Lima 2025
LANGKAWI: Airbus Defence and Space has reinforced its long-standing commitment to Malaysia at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima 2025), highlighting deepening defence cooperation and its role as Malaysia's top international aerospace partner. Malaysia remains Airbus' third-largest market in Asia-Pacific, after China and India. For Airbus Defence and Space, a cornerstone of this partnership is the A400M programme, where Malaysia has played a pioneering role as the first export customer in the world. Airbus Defence and Space Asia-Pacific head Zakir Hamid said: 'This year marks 10 years of A400M operations with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), a milestone that reflects the aircraft's reliability and versatility. With over 13,000 flight hours, the RMAF is currently the most active A400M operator globally.' Malaysia's fleet of four A400Ms has supported missions ranging from military deployments and peacekeeping to humanitarian relief during events such as the 2018 Palu earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic. The aircraft can carry up to 37 tonnes over 2,400 nautical miles, operate from unpaved runways, perform aerial refuelling, and is undergoing capability upgrades to meet future mission needs. Zakir confirmed that Indonesia is on track to receive its first A400M in fourth quarter 2025, with the aircraft already painted and progressing through fuel and ground tests. The second is in structural assembly. These aircraft will bolster Indonesia's strategic airlift and disaster response capabilities. He said: 'With rising demand for versatile air mobility solutions in Asia-Pacific, the A400M is gaining traction across the region. We're in discussions with several governments and are confident the aircraft's footprint will continue to grow.' Airbus is exploring options to expand the RMAF's A400M fleet, in line with its growing operational tempo and integration of advanced fighter aircraft. At Lima 2025, Airbus announced a new milestone with the RMAF – an expanded in-service support contract for the air force's A400M fleet, which includes increased spare parts provisioning, enhanced services and future upgrades to ensure continued operational readiness. In parallel, Airbus is keen to offer the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) as a solution to enhance the RMAFs operational efficiency. Already in service in the Asia-Pacific region in Australia, Singapore and South Korea, the A330 MRTT combines strategic airlift capability with advanced aerial refuelling, significantly extending the range of fighter aircraft and strengthening national defence readiness. Airbus is also exploring the introduction of the C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) to enhance Malaysia's border protection. In service across Southeast Asia, the C295 MSA offers advanced mission systems, search and rescue capabilities and long-endurance patrols. Zakir said: 'As regional partners assess future airlift, refuelling, and surveillance capabilities, Airbus is ready to deliver advanced, mission-ready solutions. We're proud to deepen our partnership with Malaysia and support defence and security operations across Asia-Pacific.'
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudia Group orders 20 Airbus A330neo jets to fuel fleet expansion
RIYADH: Saudia Group has signed a new agreement with Airbus to acquire 20 wide-body A330neo aircraft, including 10 confirmed orders for its low-cost carrier flyadeal, as part of its fleet expansion strategy. The deal, finalized at Airbus's facility in Toulouse, France, reinforces the group's ambitions to enhance operational efficiency and expand destination coverage, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. With deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029, the acquisition marks a continuation of Saudia Group's broader modernization plan, which includes a 2023 order for 105 Airbus aircraft. A330neo's long-range capability and fuel efficiency are expected to play a central role in supporting the Kingdom's goals of connecting to 250 destinations and transporting 330 million passengers annually. The agreement aligns with the Kingdom's broader trend of making multiple Airbus aircraft purchases. In October, Riyadh Air signed a deal to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. In July, the Royal Saudi Air Force signed a contract with Airbus for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. The deal was signed by Saleh Eid, vice president Fleet Management and Agreements at Saudia Airlines, and Benoit de Saint-Exupery, executive vice president of Commercial Aircraft Sales at Airbus, in the presence of Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group and Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. Al-Omar emphasized the significance of the deal as a continuation of the group's ambitious strategy to expand and modernize its fleet. He noted that this agreement follows a previous order of 105 Airbus aircraft in 2023 and supports national strategies under Vision 2030 aimed at reaching 250 destinations, transporting 330 million passengers, and attracting 150 million tourists annually. Benoit de Saint-Exupery welcomed the order as a strategic advancement for both parties. 'Saudia Group's order for A330neo aircraft for flyadeal is a crucial step toward enabling the Kingdom's long-haul expansion and attracting a broader range of passengers,' he said. 'The aircraft's proven efficiency, versatility, and passenger experience make it the right fit for Saudia Group's strategic growth,' he added. Saudia Group currently operates a fleet of 194 aircraft across its commercial, low-cost, cargo, and logistics divisions. With an additional 191 aircraft expected to be delivered in the coming years, the group is advancing its position as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector and broader national development initiatives.
