Malaysia Airlines set to issue RFP for 55 wide-bodied aircraft
29 May 2007
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Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Airline System (MAS) has announced its plans to issue requests for proposals (RFP) for up to 55 wide-bodied aircraft in the next month or two. This will be in addition to an earlier RFP, issued to Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier, for up to 55 narrow-bodied aircraft.
The company said it expects the wide-bodied aircraft to cost a minimum of 160-180 million ringitt (approx. $50 million) each. The total order for these aircraft would be worth approximately $2.75 billion at list prices.
According to MAS managing director, Idris Jala, the move is part of the airline's plans to phase out its existing fleet by 2012-2014. The airline currently operates 93 aircraft.
The national carrier said funding for the new aircraft will be raised from several sources, including cash inflows, rights issues, asset sales as well as bank loans.
