The parent company of flag carrier Malaysian Airlines today announced it has finalised the purchase of six A380 superjumbo Airbus aircraft.

"Penerbangan Malaysian Bhd (PMB), the holding company of Malaysia Airlines has finalised the purchase of six Airbus A380 aircraft," the two companies said in a joint statement.

An agreement would be inked on Thursday, they said without elaborating.

Aviation officials said PMB has yet to decide on which engine to use on the aircraft.

PMB emerged as the holding company for the national carrier after a major restructuring last year.

The main contenders are believed to be the American GE-PW Engine Alliance and Rolls-Royce.

Malaysia Airlines uses the Pratt and Whitney engines for its A330-300 fleet. Dubai's Emirates Airlines on Monday announced a three billion-dollar engine order with the American GE-PW for its Airbus A-380 planes.

For long-haul routes

The purchase of the six aircraft could cost PMB between RM3.8 billion and RM5.7 billion depending on the furnishing, with each plane to cost RM646 million to RM950 million, the Star newspaper reported early this year.

Delivery of the first four A380s was expected to begin in 2006, it added.

The 555-seater aircraft would be leased to Malaysia Airlines, which was expected to use them for long-haul and high demand routes, the Star said.

Malaysia Airlines competitors in the region, Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways, were among the early birds to place orders for the mega-jumbo. - AFP