Malaysia Aviation Group Unveils Ambitious Plan with Order for 60 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft
Boeing and Malaysia Aviation Group have today revealed a purchase of 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 single-aisle aircraft to modernize Malaysia Airlines’ fleet with more eco-friendly jets. This acquisition, recorded in January 2025 and initially noted as unassigned on Boeing’s orders and deliveries platform, will allow Malaysia’s national carrier to unveil new lie-flat seating and cater to the increasing travel demand in Southeast Asia – one of the most rapidly expanding commercial aviation markets.
The region’s aircraft fleet is anticipated to expand nearly 250% over the upcoming 20 years, highlighting the significance of Malaysia Aviation Group’s investment in the adaptability of the 737-8 and the spaciousness of the 737-10, the largest variant within the 737 MAX series.
“This represents a pivotal investment for Malaysia Aviation Group, empowering us to provide cutting-edge premium cabin experiences and advanced technology to our patrons,” stated Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group. “The inclusion of these new aircraft will not only enhance our fleet’s efficiency and amplify seating capacity, but also elevate the overall inflight journey, prioritizing our passengers’ requirements.”
The Boeing 737 has been the cornerstone of Malaysia Airlines’ single-aisle fleet for nearly six decades, with the launch of its first 737-100 in 1969. Malaysia Airlines has since managed almost every variant of the 737 family and will carry on that legacy with this fresh order for the 737 MAX.
“Today’s announcement marks another significant milestone in Boeing’s longstanding collaboration with Malaysia and demonstrates our unwavering dedication to the aerospace industry in the region,” remarked Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. “The chance to introduce more Boeing aircraft in Malaysia is a source of pride for our many Malaysian employees who contribute to each plane Boeing constructs and delivers to customers globally.”
With over 50 737 jets in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, the introduction of additional 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft provides operational uniformity and the best per-seat economics in their segment, decreasing fuel consumption and emissions by 20%.
“We are privileged to strengthen our esteemed partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and assist them in updating their fleet,” expressed Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Incorporating the 737-8 and 737-10 will furnish Malaysia Airlines with the operational adaptability, environmental efficiency, and additional capacity required to better accommodate a growing passenger base.”
Air passenger traffic throughout Southeast Asia is expected to more than triple in the next 20 years, as indicated in Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook, a comprehensive forecast for long-term demand for commercial aircraft and related services. Of the over 4,700 new aircraft projected for delivery to the region’s operators by 2043, nearly 80% will comprise single-aisle jets, including the 737 MAX family.
Boeing’s operations in Malaysia encompass Boeing Composites Malaysia, the company’s inaugural wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia featuring an all-Malaysian workforce. The site produces composite components and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial aircraft, including the 737 MAX. Boeing fosters the growth of aerospace skills in Malaysia through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain enhancement, university partnerships, and community development initiatives.
