More MAXs for Malaysia Aviation Group
March 24, 2025
The Malaysia Aviation Group is the holding company for Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings, whose current fleet includes some 58 Boeing 737-800s, which are divided between Malaysia Airlines (53) and Firefly (five), though Aviation Week estimates a rather lower number for Malaysia Airlines of just 42 737-800s.
The Malaysia Aviation Group has signed for eighteen B737-8s and twelve B737-10s, all of which will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029 and be concluded in 2030,. The Boeing 737-10s will be the first narrowbody aircraft in the Malaysia Airlines fleet with full lie-flat seats in business class.
The announcement was made during a special ceremony held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, attended by Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anthony Loke, the Minister of Transport Captain Izham Ismail the Managing Director of MAG Datuk, and the President of Boeing Global Dr Brendan Nelson.
Captain Izham Ismail said that: “The selection of the 737-8 and 737-10 reflects a careful evaluation of our long-term growth strategy, ensuring that we have the right aircraft to meet evolving market demands. 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. These next-generation aircraft offer greater fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced passenger comfort, and 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.”
The Malaysia Aviation Group has options on another 30 737 MAX aircraft, and also has a lease agreement with AerCap for 25 Boeing 737-8s, eleven of which have so far been delivered, with the remainder due to be in service by 2027.
The Boeing 737 has formed the backbone of the Malaysia Airlines’ single-aisle fleet since the first 737-100 was delivered in 1969. Malaysia Airlines has since operated almost every variant of the 737 family. The Malaysia Aviation Group will use its new MAXs to replace its older 737 variants.
Long-term growth forecasts for Southeast Asia are expected to drive a massive expansion of the airline’s fleet, which has been projected to grow by almost 250% over the next 20 years.
Malaysia Airlines expects its new aircraft to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 20%, supporting the its sustainability goals while simultaneously expanding passenger capacity.
