Malaysia Airlines to buy 35 wide-bodied planes
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia Airlines plans to buy 35 wide-bodied planes over the next year as part of a fleet restructuring to rebuild its premium business as it seeks to return to profitability by 2018, its CEO said Wednesday.
Peter Bellew said there is a mismatch at the moment, with 70 percent of the airline's current fleet of 69 planes comprising single-aisle, narrow-bodied aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes, making it appear more like a low-cost carrier. He said the airline expects to increase its fleet size to 80 planes by 2022, of which 45 percent will be wide-bodied aircraft.