Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Thursday there has been no indications from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) or Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB) on whether they are cancelling the order for the A380 aircraft. "We have not received anything from MAS and PMB," he said. He was asked about the possibility following delays by the European aircraft maker Airbus in delivering the super jumbo to the national carrier. Airbus has received a total of 159 orders for the A380 but could not deliver them on time due to production problems. "We won't comment anything until we receive a proposal from MAS and PMB," Chan said. "It's a business arrangement," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) among representatives of Vietnam's Dong Nai provincial government, Berjaya Land Bhd, Salcon Engineering Bhd and NV-Multi Corporation Bhd here. The MoU is for the parties to conduct feasibility studies and to explore business opportunities and potential ventures in Dong Nai, the third largest province in Vietnam. Airbus had disclosed that Singapore Airlines, the launch customer of the A380, would receive its first aircraft in October 2007, which is 10 months behind schedule. PMB, the parent company of the national carrier, has ordered six A380s. The aircraft were previously expected to be delivered in January 2007 to ply routes in Europe and the Asia Pacific. MAS had last month expressed disappointment over further delays of the aircraft it ordered. The airline stated that it was awaiting a clear delivery plan from Airbus. The national carrier and PMB are expected to continue discussions with Airbus on the matter.