Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) is set to place an order for roughly one-hundred aircraft as part of its consolidation and revitalization plans. Quoting unnamed sources who are close to the airline's operations, Reuters said the multi-billion dollar deal could consist of an initial order for thirty widebodies including A350-900s and A330s along with either A350-1000s or B787-10s.
The jets will replace MAS' ageing fleet of B777-200(ER)s used on long-haul routes. Additional A380-800s were also considered but rejected in favour of the more urgently-needed twinjet family of aircraft.
The B737 MAX 8 is also being looked at as a replacement for the airline's B737-400 fleet which, according to the ch-aviation database, now averages over 20 years of age.
Though the deal is still subject to government approval, the Malaysian carrier is reportedly keen to begin taking delivery of some aircraft from 2016 onwards.
Malaysia Airlines is facing increased pressure from both Gulf and European carriers on the international front as well as from South East Asia's budding LCC sector on the local and regional fronts. It posted a net loss of MYR343.4million (USD104.23million) for the October-December 2013 period, its fourth consecutive quarterly loss. Its full year losses totalled MYR1.17 billion.
