Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, announced on Friday plans to purchase 30 Boeing 737 aircraft for delivery in 2029.
MAG Managing Director Izham Ismail confirmed that the agreement includes 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 12 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets. However, the company did not disclose the value of the deal. It remains unclear how the new aircraft will be distributed among MAG’s subsidiaries, which include Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal.
Malaysia Airlines has been undergoing a fleet renewal strategy following two fatal incidents in 2014. It was delisted that year and restructured under the state wealth fund Khazanah Nasional. The airline has also faced regulatory scrutiny, leading to temporary flight reductions after safety and maintenance concerns were raised by Malaysia’s civil aviation authority in 2023.
Izham described the purchase as a key milestone, emphasising that the order was carefully timed to avoid past missteps. He said the decision was based on fuel efficiency, sustainability, operational performance, and reliability.
The deal also includes an option to acquire 30 more jets, depending on market conditions. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who attended the signing, expressed support for the airline’s continued partnership with Boeing.
MAG previously committed to leasing 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets and acquiring 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft, with deliveries ongoing.
