National carrier Malaysia Airlines says it will buy 15 new Airbus A330 planes as part of its fleet expansion.
The airline inked a pact Tuesday with Airbus that places a firm order for 15 of the aircraft, with an option for another 10 planes. It says the 25 planes have a list price of $5 billion, although airlines typically get discounts for bulk purchases.
Malaysia Airline Chief Executive Azmil Zahruddin said the planes will be delivered from 2011 to 2016, and used to serve the growing markets of South and North Asia, China, Australia and the Middle East.
He said the airline will fund the purchases through a proposed share issue and borrowings.
(eTN):Malaysia Airlines orders 15 Airbus A330 jets | re-post license | post content