Boeing and Malaysia Aviation Group announced an order for 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 single-aisle jets to renew Malaysia Airlines’ fleet with more fuel-efficient airplanes. The order, which 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 and meet growing travel demand in Southeast Asia – one of the fastest-growing commercial aviation markets.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
With more than 50 737 jets in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, the introduction of additional 737-8s and the 737-10 offers operational commonality and the best per-seat economics in their class, reducing fuel use and emissions by 20%.
“We are honoured to build upon our valued partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and support them in modernising 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 across Southeast Asia will more than triple over the next 20 years, as projected in Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook, the company’s long-term demand forecast for commercial airplanes and services. Of the more than 4,700 new airplanes expected to be delivered to the region’s operators through 2043, nearly 80% will be single-aisle jets, such as the 737 MAX family.
Boeing’s presence in Malaysia includes Boeing Composites Malaysia, the company’s first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia with an all-Malaysian workforce. The facility provides composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes, including the 737 MAX. Boeing supports the development of aerospace capabilities in Malaysia through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations and community support initiatives.
Malaysia Aviation Group orders CFM LEAP engines for MAX order
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and CFM International (CFM) announced an order for 60 CFM LEAP-1B engines, plus additional spares, to power MAG’s new fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The agreement follows a signing ceremony between MAG, Boeing, and CFM that was witnessed by Guest-of-Honor YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim.
“MAG has a long-standing partnership with CFM, and today, we are happy to build on years of trust and shared vision to lead the future of aviation in Malaysia,” said Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG. “CFM LEAP-1B engines are bringing high reliability, high efficiency, and quiet operation for our passengers, ensuring they have the best possible experience flying with us.”
MAG is the parent company of Malaysia Airlines and other regional and cargo carriers. Malaysia Airlines currently operates 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with CFM LEAP-1B engines, with another 14 aircraft on order. Overall, the group currently operates 47 Next-Generation 737 aircraft with CFM56-7B engines. MAG’s history with CFM goes back to the 1990s, when its airlines began operating CFM56-3-powered Boeing 737 Classic aircraft.
“Today’s agreement with MAG builds on a very strong three-decade relationship with a growing fleet of LEAP-powered aircraft,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “We look forward to delivering the high asset utilization and exceptional support that MAG has come to rely on from CFM.”
CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history, with more than 3,700 aircraft in just over eight years. Advanced technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites deliver an engine that’s 15 percent more fuel efficient, with 15 percent lower carbon emissions than prior-generation CFM56 engines. Backed by advanced health monitoring systems and an open MRO ecosystem with 36 shops around the world, LEAP engines offer 99.95% departure reliability and enable high asset utilization for narrowbody aircraft.
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