Malaysian Airlines in talks for narrow body aircraft with Boeing and Airbus

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Airlines is in talks with airframe makers Boeing and Airbus to acquire long-range narrow body aircraft, even as the company is set to expand its operations into India and China, according to a top airline official

"The Asia Pacific region is where the growth is. We expect to see vibrant growth, as the economies remain strong at some 6 per cent from now until 2015 ramping up the demand for air travel. These are exciting times especially as we expand into China and India," Malaysian Airlines managing director Idris Jala said.

The new planes, either owned or leased, are expected to enter the national carrier's capacity by 2011, according to the Star newspaper.

According to Idris, the 2007-2011 network Masterplan would see the airline expanding its network in the Asia Pacific region even as it strengthens hub and connectivity in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.