Manufacture of parts of Malaysia Airlines’ A350 XWB begins in Malaysia

Manufacture of parts for the first of six new Airbus A350-900s for Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) has begun around the world – including in Malaysia. CTRM and Spirits Aerosystems, two of Airbus’ Malaysia-based industrial partners, have begun producing components for the aircraft at their plants in Melaka and Subang, respectively. Airbus A350 XWB work undertaken at CTRM and Spirit Aerosystems currently includes the manufacture of components for wings and engine nacelles. Powered by two Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, MAB’s six new A350-900s will be acquired on lease from Aircraft Lease Corporation (ALC) and will be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2018. The airline will operate the aircraft on its premium routes with a luxurious three class layout.