MAS may tap equities market, say analysts.

Byline: Ishun P Ahmad; Francis Fernandez

MALAYSIAN Airlines System Bhd (MAS) may attempt to tap the equities market to raise between RM1 billion and RM2 billion in cash within the next 14 months, analysts said yesterday.

They said the debt-heavy airline will need a direct capital injection as its recently announced RM6.1 billion assets disposal plan will only give it a 12-month breathing space.

The assets disposal plan, if successful, will free about RM820 million as working capital for the airline in the next financial year, they added.

The airline needs about RM1.2 billion a year for working capital. As such, analysts expect it will …