News
9 Nov 2007
Malaysia Airlines and ATR sign MoU for 10 ATR 72-500s
Toulouse, France (8 November 2007): Malaysia Airlines and ATR today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of 10 ATR 72-500s with options for 5 additional aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines Executive Director/ Chief Financial Officer, Tengku Azmil Zahruddin and ATR Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephane Mayer signed the MoU valued at approximately US$285 million, including options, in Toulouse.
This fleet renewal is undertaken in response to the Malaysian Government's request to enable MASWings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, to expand its services in the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. MASWings is expected to receive delivery of the first 5 aircraft in 2009 and another 5 by 2010.
"The new aircraft will enable MASWings to expand its capacity by 150%. This will allow MASWings to meet the future demand in air travel within Sabah and Sarawak, and connect more customers worldwide to the two states which are ideal destinations for business and vacations.
“As such, MASWings will progressively add new frequencies in addition to expanding its services to more destinations in East Malaysia," said Tengku Azmil who is also a director of MASWings.
Mayer said, “We are delighted with this new proof of confidence of Malaysia Airlines in the ATR aircraft for the expansion of the regional operations of its subsidiaries.”
He added, “We are very happy with the consolidation of our partnership and with the introduction in the Malaysian routes of state-of-the-art and highly-comfortable aircraft”.
MASWings commenced operations in East Malaysia on 1 October 2007 and is currently operating 4 Fokker 50 and 4 Twin Otter aircraft.
In July this year, Malaysia Airlines signed a MoU with ATR to acquire 10 ATR 72-500s with options for 10 additional aircraft for Firefly, another of Malaysia Airlines' wholly-owned subsidiary.
About Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia flies more than 48,000 passengers to some 100 destinations across 6 continents everyday. The airline holds a lengthy record of service and best practices excellence, having received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years. Its most recent awards include “World’s Best Cabin Crew” 2007 by Skytrax and 5-Star Airline Award 2007, also by Skytrax. Under new leadership, the airline has undergone a dramatic turnaround, and is pursuing new untapped market opportunities. For more information, please visit www.malaysiaairlines.com
About ATR
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. ATR forecasts revenues of around US$1 billion in 2007, representing two successive years of 30% increase in turnover. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS. ATR is certified NF EN ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100 revision B:2004 / JIS Q 9100:2004 / EN 9100:2003, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics. Previous ATR press releases can be found at http://www.atraircraft.com/public/atr/html/press/releases.php
About The –500 series ATRs
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006.
Jointly issued by:
Media Relations Unit,
Malaysia Airlines
Subang, Malaysia
ATR Press Department
Toulouse
France
For further enquiries on this media release, media members may contact:
Tan Wai Fong
Malaysia Airlines
Email: tanwf@mas.com.my
David Vargas
ATR
Phone: + 33 5 62 21 60 61
Email: presse@atr.fr
Media Relations, Communications Division
Malaysia Airlines, Subang
For more information on this release, media can contact:
Anbarasu.S
Email:arasu@mas.com.my