Bangkok--Sep 30--eTurbo news
KUALA LUMPUR (eTurboNews) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) said its six new generation Airbus A380 aircrafts will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, while trailblazing upstart low-cost carrier AirAsia confirmed its choice of Airbus A320 planes to replace its present Boeing 737-300 fleet at a signing ceremony to be held on Friday.
According to MAS, the total value of the Rolls Royce engines is estimated to be RM1.52 billion (RM1=US$.26). The 555-seater A380 fleet is scheduled for delivery commencing 2007.
"With a full upper deck, 49 percent additional cabin space and around 35 percent more seats compared to current offerings, the A380 is expected to raise the benchmark for customer experience and comfort," MAS said in the statement.
As part of the government's reorganization exercise, MAS as asset operator, is leasing the aircrafts from asset owner Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad ( PMB ).
Meanwhile, a duel between Airbus's 180-seater A320 and Boeing's 189-seater 737-800 over low-cost carrier AirAsia has a confirmed winner-Airbus.
This decision will now completely phase out the AirAsia's current fleet of 24 Boeing 737-300s. The agreement is for delivery of 40 A320 planes, with an option for 40 more planes.
"AirAsia is believed to have been quoted US$30 million per plane, well below the list price of US$50 to US$55 million," said an aviation analyst.
The first delivery is expected to be made in early 2006, to be followed by one aircraft a month.
The carrier is expected to finance the purchase partly from proceeds of its recent Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company's shares, which started trading on the local bourse recently has surged following the announcement.
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