Malaysia Airlines today announced its narrowbody fleet acquisition plan
which saw the national carrier ordering up to 55 B737-800 aircraft. The
national carrier will also take delivery of 6 A380-800 in 2011.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Sri Idris Jala said,
Malaysia Airlines also have the option to swap the B737-800 to the larger
B737-900.
He also said,
Jala also announced that Malaysia Airlines will take delivery of all 6
A380-800 in 2011, with the first aircraft to be delivered in January and
the sixth in August.
The 6 A380-800 aircraft was supposed to have been delivered from January
2007 to December 2008.
Jala added,
which saw the national carrier ordering up to 55 B737-800 aircraft. The
national carrier will also take delivery of 6 A380-800 in 2011.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Sri Idris Jala said,
"Under our Business Transformation Plan, we are embarking on our network
expansion to transform into the World's Five Star Value Carrier.
"I am very excited with these developments as these new fleets will both
form a strong platform for Malaysia Airlines to profitably grow. The
deliveries will not happen for a few years yet, when the weakness in the
global economy should be less of a concern.
"We have placed a firm order for 35 B737-800 with an option for another 20
aircraft. The total cost of the 55 aircraft is USD4.2 billion at list
prices.
"We expect to take delivery of the first aircraft from September 2010
onwards, which will be used to replace our existing B737-400 fleet and to
allow us to expand to points which were not previously economically
viable."
Malaysia Airlines also have the option to swap the B737-800 to the larger
B737-900.
He also said,
"These aircraft will be used mainly for the ASEAN region,
including the domestic sector in Malaysia and the fast growing economies of
China and India. Clearly, we are now gearing ourselves to benefit from the
growth of this region which is projected at around 6 percent per annum.
"As our aim is to ensure that the aircraft for the core network will always
be the latest in terms of technology, we will likely partially purchase the
B737-800 on our own and partially lease them as that would give us the
flexibility to manage our balance sheet and financing commitments, and to
sell some of them when the timing is right."
Jala also announced that Malaysia Airlines will take delivery of all 6
A380-800 in 2011, with the first aircraft to be delivered in January and
the sixth in August.
"After extensive discussions with Airbus and Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad,
we have agreed on the terms for the delayed delivery of the 6 A380-800
aircraft ordered by PMB in 2003. The terms include an agreed amount of
compensation for the delay."
The 6 A380-800 aircraft was supposed to have been delivered from January
2007 to December 2008.
Jala added,
"I think today is a good day for Malaysia Airlines, Airbus and
Boeing. We kept the A380 on terms that are win-win for us and Airbus. We
placed narrowbody jet orders with Boeing. We are happy to work with both
aircraft manufacturers.
"We are now looking at the widebody aircraft replacement and will intensify
our discussions with the manufacturers. This is again an opportunity for
both Airbus and Boeing to make their best pitch for our business. Malaysia
Airlines is committed to expand its network for the medium and long haul
market."