Boeing and Malaysia Aviation Group today announced an order for 18 single-aisle B-737/8s and 12 single-aisle 737/10s (with an option for 30 more) to refresh Malaysia Airlines’ fleet with more fuel-efficient airplanes. The order, booked in January 2025 and posted as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website, will enable Malaysia’s flag carrier to meet growing travel demand in Southeast Asia, one of the fastest-growing commercial aviation markets. The region’s airline fleet is expected to grow nearly 250 percent over the next 20 years, underscoring the importance of Malaysia’s investment in the versatility of the 737/8 and the capability of the 737/10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family.

Malaysia Aviation Group CEO Izham Ismail commented: “The addition of these new aircraft will not only improve the efficiency of our fleet and increase seating capacity, but will enable us to enhance the overall in-flight experience".

The Boeing -737 has been the backbone of Malaysia Airlines’ single-aisle fleet for nearly 60 years, following the introduction of its first -737/100 in 1969. The airline has operated nearly every variant of the family since then and will continue that tradition with this latest order for the MAX. With more than 50 -737s in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, the addition of the two additional models provides operational consistency and best-in-class seat-value while reducing fuel burn and emissions by 20 percent. “The addition of the -737/8 and -737/10 will provide Malaysia Airlines with the operational flexibility, environmental performance and additional capacity they need to better serve a growing number of passengers", said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

Passenger air traffic in Southeast Asia will more than triple over the next 20 years, Boeing projects in its Commercial Market Outlook, the company’s long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and services. Of the more than 4,700 new airplanes expected to be delivered to operators in the region by 2043, nearly 80 percent will be single-aisle jets, such as the 737 MAX family.