Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet with the order of 20 additional Airbus A330neo aircraft. This new agreement brings MAG’s total commitment to 40 A330neo jets, reinforcing its strategy for long-term growth, fleet modernisation, and premium service delivery.

The fresh order, signed directly with Airbus, follows MAG’s 2022 commitment for 20 A330neos, split between direct purchases and leases through Avolon. Deliveries for the new batch are scheduled from 2029 to 2031, aligning with MAG’s goal of becoming a future-ready aviation group.

The A330neo has been central to MAG’s ongoing transformation. Known for fuel efficiency, extended range, and passenger comfort, the aircraft features next-generation Business Class suites, lie-flat beds, and upgraded inflight entertainment across all cabins—positioning Malaysia Airlines to better serve evolving traveller expectations.

The expanded fleet will allow the airline to boost operations across key long-haul markets, including ASEAN, India, China, and Australasia, aligning with the Group’s premium full-service carrier model.

“The A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support our network and growth strategy,” said Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG. “This additional order reinforces our long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth and strengthens our competitiveness in key markets.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales at Airbus, added, “This repeat order is a strong endorsement of the A330neo’s performance, efficiency, and passenger appeal.”

MAG has already taken delivery of four A330neo aircraft, with six more scheduled for arrival by the end of this year. The remaining deliveries from the original order are expected through 2028, ensuring a steady fleet upgrade over the coming years.

With this move, Malaysia Airlines is poised to solidify its position as one of Asia-Pacific’s top widebody operators, offering consistent service excellence, regional connectivity, and a more sustainable flight experience.

Norwegian Air has posted better-than-expected second-quarter earnings, marking a significant milestone with the announcement of its first-ever dividend payout. The airline reported an operating profit of 1.25 billion Norwegian crowns ($123.84 million), beating the market consensus of 1.04 billion crowns compiled by the company.

In a major boost for shareholders, Norwegian will distribute a dividend of 0.90 Norwegian crowns per share, reflecting the airline's strong financial performance and strategic recovery efforts post-pandemic.

"The operating profit and margin are the second highest we have ever had in this quarter, and the passenger numbers and load factor are the highest in a second quarter since 2019," said CEO Geir Karlsen in a statement.

The airline attributes its robust performance to record passenger numbers and load factors in June, indicating strong summer travel demand despite ongoing challenges in the aviation sector.

Norwegian has reaffirmed its capacity outlook of 37,500 million seat kilometres for the year, maintaining a confident growth trajectory. However, the airline noted that unit costs, excluding fuel, are expected to increase by a low to mid-single-digit percentage compared to 2024.

Delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus continue to strain operations, with parts of the fleet undergoing maintenance or nearing decommission. Despite these headwinds, Norwegian Air remains optimistic about sustaining its momentum through the remainder of the year.

This announcement reinforces Norwegian's renewed financial stability and strategic agility, positioning the airline for further growth in the competitive budget travel space.

In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new route for Indian citizens to obtain the prestigious Golden Visa — now without the need to buy property or launch a business. This shift is part of a pilot program that simplifies the path to long-term residency, specifically targeting skilled Indian professionals and creators.

The Golden Visa offers a 10-year or lifetime residency permit that allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. With the new update, eligible Indians can apply by nomination through approved UAE partners and pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh).

This initiative reflects the UAE’s strategic efforts to strengthen its knowledge-based economy and deepen ties with India under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022. The program is expected to receive over 5,000 applications in its first 90 days.

What’s New for Indians?

Under the new scheme:

• No property purchase, business license, or investment is needed.
  

• Applicants must be nominated by approved UAE partner organizations.
  

• A fixed one-time fee of AED 100,000 covers lifetime visa eligibility, including admin costs.
  

• No recurring taxes or investment maintenance required.
  

The visa allows unrestricted re-entry and continued residency even if the holder spends extended periods outside the UAE.

Who Can Apply?

The pilot program is open to individuals with experience or expertise in sectors of interest to the UAE, such as:

• Senior professionals in education, healthcare, and corporates
  

• University lecturers, school teachers, and experienced nurses
  

• Digital creators (YouTubers, podcasters, filmmakers, authors)
  

• Coders, esports professionals, yacht owners, and maritime workers
  

Application Process:

1. Contact an authorized agent. The Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS Global and One Vasco, is managing the nomination process in India.
   

2. Submit your qualifications and background at One Vasco centres.
   

3. Pay the one-time fee.
   

4. Complete background checks, including criminal, financial, and social media history.
   

5. Receive Golden Visa approval and lifetime residency rights upon clearance.
   

This simplified path to UAE residency makes the Golden Visa more accessible to talented Indians from non-investment backgrounds, marking a significant policy shift in the region’s migration landscape.