Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has ordered up to 25 Airbus A330-300s, and expects to take delivery of the aircraft around the first half of 2011.
MAS fleet programme covers a firm order of 15 A330-300s plus options for an additional 10 aircraft.
These aircraft, which are to be configured in a two-class layout with 283 seats, will be deployed on services to Australia, China, South Asia, North Asia and the Middle East.
According to Azmil Zahruddin, MAS managing director and CEO, the A330s would “complement the other aircraft orders under our fleet modernization plan”.
He added: “The ability to add capacity will enable us to offer more frequencies to key destinations and fly to new destinations.”
Earlier, Business Traveller reported (see news) that it was expecting to take delivery of the first of six A380s in the second half of next year, which was to be fitted out with Premium Economy cabin. The superjumbos will be used to link London and Sydney via Kuala Lumpur.
The flag carrier has been on recovery mode since being found unprofitable in 2005. Various measures such instituting improvements in yield management and enforcing route rationalisation have been responsible for its turnaround.
Recently, MAS announced that Damam in Saudi Arabia would be its newest destination, flying there via Dubai from May 5, 2010, twice weekly.
For more details, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com
Margie T Logarta