23-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The national flag carrier of Malaysia has been forced to ground its newly acquired Airbus A330neo aircraft merely days after its maiden flight, following a string of technical complications that have raised concerns about manufacturing quality standards.
Malaysia Airlines Bhd confirmed the temporary grounding of the aircraft for a minimum of 48 hours, with Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, pointing to manufacturing deficiencies as the root cause of the problems.
“We’ve encountered multiple technical issues stemming from subpar factory workmanship, which has significantly impacted our inaugural operations,” Ismail disclosed. The airline has identified three distinct technical problems linked to production and delivery standards.
In response to these setbacks, the carrier has initiated urgent consultations with both Airbus and Rolls-Royce, requesting a thorough investigation into the aircraft’s complications. Airbus has pledged its support to address the technical challenges, whilst Rolls-Royce acknowledged the identification of a defective component, confirming that replacement work is currently underway.
The incident highlights the broader challenges facing the aviation industry, as airlines worldwide grapple with unprecedented supply chain disruptions affecting both Airbus and Boeing deliveries. The situation has been particularly challenging for Malaysia Airlines, which has reported additional concerns regarding the quality of maintenance work on rotable parts, with over 50 percent failing within a fortnight of service.
