Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

Malaysia Airlines Goes Big on Boeing

Boeing and Malaysia Aviation Group recently ordered 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 single-aisle jets to update Malaysia Airlines' fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft. This order, registered in January 2025 and initially listed as unidentified on Boeing's orders and deliveries website, will enable Malaysia's flag carrier to introduce new lie-flat seats and respond to the increasing travel demand in Southeast Asia, one of the fastest-growing commercial aviation markets.

The region's fleet of airplanes is expected to expand by almost 250% within the next 20 years. This growth highlights the significance of Malaysia Aviation Group's investment in the 737-8's adaptability and the 737-10's capacity, the largest variant in the 737 MAX family.

"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 Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group.

"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." 

For almost 60 years, the Boeing 737 has been the core of Malaysia Airlines' single-aisle fleet, starting with the 737-100 launched in 1969. Malaysia Airlines has operated nearly all variants of the 737 family and aims to uphold this tradition with its latest order for the 737 MAX.

"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," said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, President of Boeing Global.

"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."

Malaysia Airlines operates over 50 737 jets in its fleet. The addition of more 737-8s and 737-10s provides enhanced operational commonality and delivers the leading per-seat economics within their category, achieving a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

"We are honored to build upon our valued partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and support them in modernizing their fleet," said Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

"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."

Passenger air traffic in Southeast Asia is set to more than triple in the next 20 years, according to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, which forecasts long-term demand for commercial airplanes and services. Out of over 4,700 new airplanes anticipated to be delivered to operators in the region by 2043, almost 80% are expected to be single-aisle jets, like the 737 MAX family.

Boeing's operations in Malaysia include Boeing Composites Malaysia, its first wholly owned manufacturing site in Southeast Asia, staffed entirely by Malaysians. This facility produces composite products and subassemblies for the full range of Boeing commercial aircraft, including the 737 MAX. Boeing also promotes aerospace skills in Malaysia by offering safety training, hosting sustainability workshops, advancing supply chain development, collaborating with universities, and supporting community initiatives.