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.
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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.
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.
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%.
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.