MAS orders two A300-200Fs

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS), has ordered two A330-200 freighters with an option for two more. The first is expected in September 2011.

Tengku Azmil Zahruddin (right), Malaysia Airlines’ managing director and chief executive officer, said the aircraft were part of MAS’ expansion plans into China, allowing for increased network connections to Europe and India.

The 70-tonne airline has also made a firm booking of 15 wide-bodied A330-300 passenger aircraft with an option for 10 more.

According to Azmil Zahruddin the 17 aircraft will cost US$3.6 billion.

“On the cargo side, the new freighters will enable us to better serve the intra-Asia route and offer direct services to Europe from India and Bangladesh,” he said. “This complements our expansion plans in China and will strengthen our position as a key niche player in the region.”