Malaysian Airline System Bhd. said it ordered two A330-200F freighter aircraft from Airbus SAS, and confirmed an order for 15 passenger planes, as a global economic recovery spurs demand for air services in Asia.

The 17 planes will cost $3.6 billion based on catalogue prices, Chief Executive Officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today. The national carrier said it has an option to purchase 10 more passenger planes and two freighters. It had signed a memorandum of understanding in December with Airbus for the passenger planes that were estimated to cost $3 billion.

“On the cargo side, the new freighters will enable us to better serve the intra-Asia route and offer direct services to Europe from India and Bangladesh,” Azmil said. “This complements our expansion plans in China and will strengthen our position as a key niche player in the region.”

The International Air Transport Association this month revised its 2010 growth forecast for worldwide cargo demand to 12 percent from 7 percent. Asian air-freight markets are particularly strong, with shipments originating in Malaysia experiencing a capacity shortage, it said.

The first freighter will be delivered to Malaysian Air in September 2011 and will have capacity to carry almost 70 tons of cargo, the airline said. The passenger planes, with seating for 283 people in two classes, will be delivered in the first half of next year, it said. (Bloomberg)