Alenia Aermacchi, has delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force its first two MB-339CM trainers of an order for eight trainers placed by the RMAF.

      The order was placed in late 2006. Chief Test Pilot Cdr. Quirino Bucci and Test Pilot Cdr. Matteo Maurizio took off from the Alenia Aermacchi airfield in two MB-339CMs and landed at the RMAF base at Kuantan after a 12,000-kilometre delivery flight. The six remaining MB-339CM are expected to be delivered in the course of 2009.

      The Royal Malaysian Air Force will use the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339CM as Lead-In Fighter Trainers to prepare Malaysian pilots to fly new generation fighter aircraft in service with the RMAF.

      The Royal Malaysian Air Force selection confirms the excellent characteristics of the MB-339 that, in the new CM variant, is equipped with an advanced avionic system including Embedded Training Simulation, a digital map and new and modern safety devices. This MB-339 version offers a complete and effective training and answers the most sophisticated training needs.

      The RMAF has operated the previous MB-339A for over 20 years and will now replace them with the new MB-339CM. These aircraft thus represent an ideal continuity in the training of Malaysian pilots and are further proof of the confidence placed in Alenia Aermacchi, which was been again called to provide Malaysia with high-quality aircraft offering the highest levels of efficiency.