Malaysian carrier also set to assess Airbus A350 and Boeing 7E7 as it looks to ditch 737-400s and Fokker 50s
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) expects to issue separate requests for proposals (RFP) in the coming weeks for new aircraft to replace its 39 Boeing 737-400s and 10 Fokker 50s. It is also weeks away from selecting an engine to power Airbus A380s already on order and next year plans to assess Boeing's 7E7 and Airbus's proposed rival A350.
Managing director and chief executive Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan says in an interview with Flight International sister publication Airline Business, to be published early next year, that the two RFPs will be issued before the end of 2004 and simultaneous selections are likely before the middle of 2005.
He says the long-awaited RFP to Airbus and Boeing should be for 40 narrowbodies to be taken on firm order from 2006 to replace its 39 737-400s. "We will need 40 aircraft for replacement and probably another 15 or 20 options," says Ahmad Fuaad, noting that some of the aircraft could be used on services to "the new emerging markets such as India and China".
The RFP for aircraft to replace ageing Fokker 50 turboprops will be issued to manufacturers of turboprops and regional jets, says Ahmad Fuaad. Bombardier and Embraer have this year demonstrated aircraft to the airline, which operates its Fokker 50s within east Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuaad says the state-owned carrier is in the final stages of deciding on an engine type for the six A380s it has on order through parent company Penerbangan Malaysia (PMB). Fleet decisions are taken in partnership with state-owned holding company PMB, which owns all the aircraft in the airline's fleet and leases them to the carrier.
Separately, Ahmad Fuaad says MAS will next year consider longer-term replacement plans for its Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s, and 200- to 250-seat aircraft will be considered such as the 7E7 and proposed A350.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / KUALA LUMPUR
Source: Flight International
