MAS won't defer jet delivery

MAS won't defer jet delivery

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Airline System Bhd. (MAS) said yesterday it will not defer the delivery of new aircraft despite concerns that it may add to the country's current account deficit.

MAS needs the aircraft to service its expanding network and destinations, airline chairman Tajudin Ramli was quoted by Bernama news agency as saying.

He also said the airline is short of aircraft.

Tajudin said the company contributed significantly to the country's economy from its high foreign exchange earnings.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday said the government would delay huge infrastructure projects to relieve pressure on the depreciated local ringgit and reduce the country's current account deficit.

MAS has placed an order with US aircraft maker Boeing Co. for 15 B777 and 10 B747-400 aircraft at a cost of US$4 billion.