It seems buying is in the air as Boeing and Malaysia Aviation Group announced an order for 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-10 – Rendering, The Boeing Company.
This makes up an order of 30 Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft, with options for a further 30 aircraft. These new aircraft will be powered by CFM Leap-1B engines.
The order, which was booked in January 2025 and was posted as unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website, will enable Malaysia’s flag carrier to introduce new lie-flat seats (on the 737-10) and meet growing travel demand in Southeast Asia.
The region’s airplane fleet is projected to grow nearly 250% over the next 20 years, underscoring the importance of Malaysia Aviation Group’s investment in the 737-8’s versatility and the 737-10’s capacity as the largest member of the 737 MAX family.
With these new additions, MAG will gradually phase out the older generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Malaysia Airlines, aiming for a modernised narrowbody fleet of 55 Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-10 aircraft by 2030.
In Quotes
Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group said
“This is a significant investment for Malaysia Aviation Group, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge premium cabin offerings and state-of-the-art technology to our customers,” said
“The addition of these new airplanes will not only enhance our fleet’s efficiency and increase seating capacity, but allow us to elevate the overall inflight experience, with our passengers’ needs at the forefront.”
Dr Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global said
“Today’s announcement represents another milestone in Boeing’s long-standing partnership with Malaysia and reflects our enduring commitment to the country’s aerospace sector,”
“The opportunity to introduce more Boeing airplanes in Malaysia is a point of pride for our many Malaysian employees who contribute to every airplane Boeing builds and delivers to customers around the world.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, added
“We are honored to build upon our valued partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and support them in modernizing their fleet,” said
“Adding the 737-8 and 737-10 will equip Malaysia Airlines with the operational flexibility, environmental performance and additional capacity they need to better serve a growing number of passengers.”
Continuing with Boeing Single-Aisle Commonality
The Boeing 737 has served as the backbone of Malaysia Airlines’ single-aisle fleet for nearly 60 years following the introduction of its first 737-100 in 1969.
Malaysia Airlines has since operated nearly every variant of the 737 family and will continue that legacy with this latest order for the 737 MAX.
With more than 50 737 jets in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, the introduction of additional 737-8s and the 737-10 will offer operational commonality as well as operational economics that come with it.
MAG has an existing order for 25 Boeing 737-8 aircraft through a long-term lease with Air Lease Corporation, with 11 already delivered and the rest scheduled for delivery by 2027. The Group currently operates a fleet of 113 aircraft system-wide, including 42 Boeing 737-800s under Malaysia Airlines and five under Firefly.
And for Boeing, another welcome order for the 737 MAX family, as the manufacturer continues to manage its order book.
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