SEPANG, Selangor: Malaysia Airlines Bhd expects to finalise its decision to add new aircraft for network expansion by the first half this year.
Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said the national carrier requires new aircraft that are fuel-efficient and capable for long-distance range as well as to replace the “coming-off” lease aircraft.
Speaking at its latest brand campaign here today, Izham said Malaysia Airlines had started talking to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on its fleet requirements.
“We have submitted to the OEMs on the potential network. We will find the best aircraft that fit our network,” Izham said, adding that it could be both extremely long-range and short-range aeroplanes
He said Malaysia Airlines hopes to end the exercise and finalise its decision by June.
Izham said it wanted to operate more than 100 aircraft, both wide-body and narrow-body, in 25 years, while growing its network between four and five per cent in five years.
Malaysia Airlines currently has 81 planes in operation, comprising the A380, A350, A330 and B737.
On the potential foreign partner, Izham said his first objective is to turn around Malaysia Airlines and ensure high safety standards.
“I’m not even evaluating foreign investments yet. I think Malaysia Airlines belongs to Malaysians. Let us keep it that way first,” he said.
Izham said it could tie-up with foreign investors in the future, if there is an opportunity. “However, we don’t have it on the table at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines gave a sneak preview of its new brand campaign at its newly-refurbished Golden Lounge at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The introduction of the Malaysian Hospitality campaign will see it releasing a new TV commercial in the coming weeks, in print ads, and outdoor as well as across social media platforms.
The campaign aims to elevate travel into a truly Malaysian experience, which is intent of Malaysian hospitality.
It comprises all aspects of customer experience, reflected in its products and services such as the newly-refurbished lounges in KLIA, digital innovations, new wide-body aircraft and introduction of latest new menu on-board.