Malaysia Airlines Bhd. (MAB) is introducing a parked Boeing 747 jumbo back into service to temporarily replace Airbus A380 capacity while they undergo scheduled maintenance checks this year.
In its latest strategy update, MAB says its A380 fleet is due for scheduled maintenance starting around April 1, and this will require one A380 at a time to be out of service through this year.
The airline said it is "exploring reinstating a former flagship aircraft" to temporarily replace A380 capacity on the Kuala Lumpur-London route where the A380s are mainly used.
According to images posted by Facebook user M Sofian, one of MAB's 747-400, Registration 9M-MPP, is now in the paint shop. The carrier previously used 747s on its London route, but parked its last ones in 2012.
The aircraft 9M-MPP is rumored being repainted in 1980s red "Malaysian" livery, the source said.
MAB currently has six A380s. It attempted to sell two as part of its new fleet strategy but recently shelved the sale plans and will keep all of its A380s for now.
Calibration Flight Carried Out at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Emergency Drill Held at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai
Emirates to Serve 500,000 Christmas Meals at 40,000 Feet
Emirates Brings Summertime Zest to Its Menus
Etihad Airways Launches New Fully-Customisable Economy Experience
Star Alliance Opens New Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Japan Airlines to Introduce New Spring Menus on International Flights
Tis the Season for Emirates Festive Offerings