MASkargo, the freight subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, has received the first of four Airbus A330-200F aircraft ordered by the airline.

The aircraft was handed over at a ceremony in Toulouse, France today attended by MASkargo managing director Shahari Sulaiman.

Shahari said the new aircraft would bring new levels of efficiency to the company’s medium lift operations.

“With this aircraft, we will be able to serve more markets with greater frequency, while significantly reducing our operating costs and maximising profit potential,” he said in a statement.

He said the aircraft’s performance and flexibility would enable direct freight services from the company’s Kuala Lumpur base to destinations across Asia, with onward capability to Australasia, Europe or the US.

Described as the world’s most modern mid-size freighter, the A330-200F can carry 70 tonnes of payload, with a range capability of up to 4,000 nautical miles.

- Bernama