Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) has denied issuing a Request for Proposals to Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) and Embraer (EMB, Sao Jose dos Campos) for between thirty and forty regional jets as previously reported by Air Transport World, which cited internal sources.

"Malaysia Airlines has not issued any RFPs. As previously communicated to market, the airline is currently evaluating several options for future fleet plan and will make the necessary announcements where appropriate," the carrier told The Edge Markets.

According to the initial report, the Malaysian flag carrier is looking to add the regional jets to boost its network in South-East Asia.

Currently, Malaysia Airlines does not operate any regional jets. The carrier's fleet encompasses forty-eight B737-800s, six A330-200s, fifteen A330-300s, six A350-900s, and six A380-800s, as well as three A330-200F freighters.

Malaysian Airlines' regional subsidiary MASwings (MY, Kota Kinabalu) operates ten ATR72-500s and six DHC-6-400s, while another subsidiary Firefly (FY, Penang) operates twelve ATR72-500s. MASwings operates exclusively on behalf of its parent, while Firefly operates its own regional network.