NEW DAMMAM SERVICE TO SUPPORT BUSINESS ACTIVITY, SAYS MAS CEO

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, April 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is strengthening its Middle
East network with the introduction of twice weekly flights to the Saudi Arabian
City of Dammam via Dubai from May 5.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin said Dammam
had evolved as the link between Saudi Arabia and the outside world, exporting
the kingdom's products and importing its needs, and thriving on the interaction
between Saudi Arabia and other countries.

He said it was not only a major oil producing and exporting area, but also a
commercial and shipping centre.

"With the introduction of Dammam as a new destination, Malaysia Airlines will be
providing a vital link for those conducting business in the city," Tengku Azmil
said in a statement.

The flights are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

MAS currently operates flights into Dubai, Jeddah, Istanbul and Beirut.

The award-winning airline also serves Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait
and Muscat via code-sharing partners Etihad, Gulf Air, Qatar Airlines and Egypt
Air.

"We're excited to announce this latest destination, which further
strengthens our Middle East network," said Tengku Azmil on the inclusion of Dammam
in that network.

MAS has firmed up orders with Airbus for up to 25 A330-300 wide-body aircraft
covering the firm order of 15 A330-300 with options for another 10.

In addition, the airline has also placed new orders for up to four A330-200F
freighters comprising two firm orders and another two options.

Tengku Azmil said all these developments were in line with the company's strategy
to continuously invest in human capital, systems and infrastructure to grow this
year through the modernisation of its fleet and expansion of capacity with
additional frequencies and new destinations.

"The new A330 aircraft is expected to add capacity and will enable us to offer
more frequencies to key destinations as well as fly to new destinations in the
Middle East, including Dammam," he added.
-- BERNAMA