Malaysia Airlines expecting improved operating profit in 2010; Chinese airlines affected by Yuan

Malaysia Airlines CEO, Tengku Azmil Aziz, stated the carrier expects to post an operating profit in the range of USD30 million to USD90 million for FY2010, marking a turnaround from operating losses in 2009. The carrier is also considering debt financing in 2010 to fund aircraft orders, but added that it has no plans for additional equity raising after a successful rights issue. Shares in the carrier gained 5.5% yesterday.