Malaysian Airlines, MAS set to receive 35 new Boeing 737-800 in October 2010 to October 2011

The Malaysian media reported on the 23rd August 2010 that Malaysia Airlines, MAS will be operationally more efficient to handle faster turnaround when it takes delivery of 35 new generation Boeing 737-800 within one year.

Well this is great news for MAS as well as Malaysians and also tourists from around the world.

Malaysia's Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the first three aircraft would be delivered this year, with the first one to arrive in October 2010 while the rest in stages until October next year that is 2011.

The fuel efficient 737-800 with the capacity of 150 seats is bigger than B737-400 and is set to replace MAS' ageing fleet and expand its operations, he said.

Currently, MAS has a fleet of 37 Boeing 737-400 with a seating capacity of 144 passengers.

"I believe the arrival of the new aircraft will enable MAS to provide better and more efficient domestic service, especially in the Sabah and Sarawak sectors.

"I am confident that the flight's on-time performance rate will improve to around 80 per cent with the new aircraft in service," he said when commenting on passenger complaints on flight delay.

"The purchase of a younger fleet is justified due to growing number of passengers and tourists if we want MAS to continue to be the airline of choice," he added.

Abdul Rahim urged consumers to plan their air travel to take advantage of the MAS "all-time low fares" campaign.

The airline holds a lengthy record of service and best practices excellence, having received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years.

The most notable ones include being the first airline with the "World's Best Cabin Crew" by Skytrax UK consecutively from 2001 until 2004, "5-star Airline" in 2005 and 2006, as well as No.1 for "Economy Class Onboard Excellence 2006" – also by Skytrax UK.