MAS pins hopes on refleeting strategy
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is hatching a multi-million-dollar fleet renewal plan to secure its place in the international market.
Having pulled itself out of trouble five years ago, the national carrier is looking to build on the recovery with a new fleet. AFP reports that the carrier has placed orders for six long-haul Airbus A380 superjumbos, 25 Airbus A330-300s and 45 Boeing 737-800s for regional use, with an option to buy 10 more Boeing aircraft. The total cost of the shopping-spree is estimated at US$8.4 billion.
MAS has already received five Boeing 737-800s and three Airbus A330s, and expect delivery of its first Airbus A330 in Q2 2012 to serve major city routes like London.
The carrier’s Managing Director, Tengku Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz told AFP that MAS aims to be the best airline operating out of Kuala Lumpur. The refleeting strategy is designed to get them there, boosting their market share and reducing fuel and maintenance costs.
However, analysts warn that wrestling market share from full service carriers like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, or any of the low cost carriers like Jet Star and AirAsia, will be an uphill battle.
Comments are closed.