AirAsia, a Malaysian low-cost carrier that operates flights across Asia and beyond, has retired its only widebody aircraft, the Airbus A330-300, after just two years of service. The decision was made due to engine problems and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline's operations.
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The A330-300, with the registration 9M-VVA, joined AirAsia's fleet in December 2021, when it was leased from its long-haul sister company, AirAsia X. The aircraft was intended to boost the airline's capacity and cargo capabilities on regional routes that had higher demand than the medium- and long-haul routes served by AirAsia X. The aircraft also offered lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as well as greater comfort and passenger experience, than the older A330-300s operated by AirAsia X.
However, the aircraft soon faced technical issues with its Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, which caused frequent delays and cancellations. One of the most serious incidents occurred in August 2023, when the aircraft suffered a hydraulic pump failure and metal debris in the engine during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Johannesburg. The aircraft had to divert to Nairobi and was grounded for several weeks. The airline was unable to fix the problem and entered into negotiations with Airbus, the manufacturer of the aircraft, for a solution. However, the talks failed and the airline decided to return the aircraft to AirAsia X. The aircraft's last flight for AirAsia was on October 28, 2023, from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur. In mid-December 2023, it was re-registered as 9M-VVX and resumed operations for AirAsia X, flying from Kuala Lumpur to Perth. This was the same registration that the aircraft had when it was first delivered to AirAsia X in 2015.
The retirement of the A330-300 will have a significant impact on AirAsia's operations and finances. The airline suspended all scheduled passenger flights in October 2023, citing the lack of profitability and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline also applied for court restructuring and owes refunds to nearly 11,000 passengers. The airline had hoped to receive an investment from Sichuan Airlines Group, a Chinese airline group that has a strategic partnership with AirAsia, but the deal has been delayed and may not materialize. AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandes, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation. He said that the A330-300 was a modern and environmentally friendly aircraft that offered superior service and comfort to the customers. He also said that the airline was working hard to overcome the challenges and resume its flights as soon as possible. He thanked the staff and the passengers for their support and loyalty.