The parent company of flag carrier Malaysia Airlines has agreed to buy six Airbus A380-800 superjumbo aircraft, the European consortium said today.

Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB) has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire the six passenger aircraft which would be leased to the flag carrier, Airbus said in a statement.

"Deliveries to Malaysia Airlines are scheduled to begin in 2007. Current planning will see the airline operate the A380s on key trunk routes. Engine choice is yet to be determined," it said.

Billion-ringgit deal

It did not reveal the cost but today's Star daily quoted sources as saying the bill would range between RM3.8 billion and RM5.7 billion, depending on how the aircraft are fitted out. Each plane would cost between RM646 million and RM950 million.

"This purchase meets our requirements for the future and we expect the A380s to become a key part of our fleet," PMB managing director and chief executive Gumuri Hussain said in the statement.

Malaysia Airlines managing director Mohamad Nor Yusoff said the A380s, which provide 15-20 percent lower operating costs and 10-15 percent more range than the largest aircraft flying today, would boost the flag carrier's competitiveness.

With the Malaysian carrier on board, Airbus said it now has secured 103 orders from 10 customers for the 555-seat aircraft.

Ailing carrier

PMB emerged as the holding company for the ailing national carrier after a major restructuring last year.

Malaysia Airlines now operates nine Airbus A330 aircraft. The deal came less than four months after Airbus reinforced its ties with Malaysia by sealing a pact with a Malaysian firm to supply A380 wing components.

The firm also supplies Airbus with components for the A300 and A320 aircraft.

MAS competitors in the region, Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways, were among the early birds to place orders for the mega-jumbo after it was launched mid-2002. - AFP