A350-900 joins MAS fleet
5 more planes to arrive by March
MALAYSIA Airlines yesterday welcomed the first of six A350900 (XWB) planes leased to the airline by Air Lease Corporation.
The aircraft touched down at 12.05pm at Hangar 6 of the MAS Engineering Complex here and was given a water salute ceremony by the airline’s staff.
Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia Group Aviation (MAG) chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail boarded the aircraft to inspect its fittings and technologies.
Izham said the arrival of the A350 XWB was the symbol of a new journey that saw MAG sprinting towards the completion of the Malaysia Airlines Recovery Plan, which sought to reestablish the group as a sustainable and financially self-sufficient entity.
“With its technological advancements, the A350 XWB will boost our competitiveness on long-haul flights and underlines our commitment to operate a young and modern fleet.”
The airline, he said, was expected to receive five more A350 XWB by March.
Izham said A350 XWB would operate the Kuala Lumpur to London service beginning Jan 15.
The aircraft, configured in a three-class layout with a 286 seats, is the first in Asia to feature a First Class cabin.
It has four seats in First Class, 35 seats in Business Class and 247 seats in Economy Class.
“It is equipped with the airline’s latest cabin products, including more spacious seats in Economy Class, all-new in-flight entertainment and in-flight Wifi.
“The aircraft also introduces exciting features, such as a higher ceiling, larger windows and special ambient LED lighting designed to reduce jetlag.”
MAS had also ordered 737 Max 9 and Max 10 aircraft from Boeing last year, with deliveries expected in 2019 and 2021.
During Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s visit to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump in September, the airline signed a memorandum of understanding to buy eight 787 Dreamliners, and eight 737 Max 8 aircraft. The planes are worth US$3.06 billion (RM12.29 billion) at list prices.
MALAYSIA Airlines’ new Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be the first big-ticket item to receive Goods and Services Tax exemption, says Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
MALAYSIA Airlines’ (MAS) new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bearing the registration number 9M-MAB, will be the first big-ticket item to receive exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
This follows the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the 2018 Budget, who proposed three types of GST exemptions for big-ticket items, which include commercial aircraft and oil rigs and vessels for the oil and gas industry.
“Commercial planes usually involve large investments of between US$200 million and US$220 million (RM818.92 million and RM900.81 million). Hence, we approved the GST tax exemption,” he said after witnessing the arrival of the Airbus A350-900, here, yesterday.
Johari said connectivity was key and one of the components of good services for airlines.
He said MAS was more than just the country’s flag carrier as it had always been an important contributor to the country’s economy, especially in promoting tourism.
“As of last year, the tourism industry contributed 14.8 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to RM182 billion from the total GDP of RM1.2 trillion.
“It also provided employment to 3.2 million people, or 22.7 per cent of total employment last year,” he added.
Johari said MAS was currently undergoing a crucial process as it sought to recalibrate its strategic direction and reposition its brand to emerge as a serious competitor.
“As part of these efforts, MAS has undertaken various measures. This year, for example, MAS has gained inroads into China with the introduction of five new routes.
“It has also invested in new information technology systems and upgraded its products and services,” he said.
Meanwhile, MAB group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said the big-ticket tax exemption would be for MAS’ six A350-900 planes.
“Our partners, including the government and stakeholders, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as ordinary Malaysians, are helping the airline to turn around. We are hopeful that MAS will return to profitability soon,” he said.
Izham added that MAS was on track to complete its Malaysia Airlines Recovery Plan (MRP).
“However, we are not out of the woods yet. We have got a lot of work to do.
“We do know we have slight lapses in our services, but we will continue to perfect them.
“God willing, in times to come, MAS will be the pride of the nation again. Our focus is not only to make money, but also to be the icon of Malaysia,” he said.