Malaysia Airline System to purchase new aircraft

Airline Industry Information, Feb 2, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Malaysia Airline System Bhd (MAS) reportedly plans to order up to 78 new aircraft this year to expand its fleet.

Aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus are expected to submit competing proposals by 15 February to supply MAS with between 45 and 60 new aircraft to replace its 39 Boeing 737-400s, said the airline's chief financial officer, quoted by Dow Jones Newswires.

France-based ATR, Brazilian Embraer and Canadian Bombardier Inc are also due to present proposals for between 10 and 18 aircraft to replace the airline's 10 Fokker 50 aircraft.

The orders could be worth more than USD3bn based on catalogue prices, but since airlines usually negotiate discounts the exact value of the orders is unknown.

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