Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has announced the purchase of 30 new Boeing 737 aircraft directly from the US planemaker as part of its fleet modernization strategy.
The order consists of 18 Boeing 737-8 and 12 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, which will be equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines. Additionally, MAG has options to purchase 30 more 737 aircraft, according to a company statement published on March 21, 2025.
The announcement was made during a special ceremony held in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The event was attended by Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Transport of Malaysia Anthony Loke, Managing Director of MAG Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, and President of Boeing Global Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, as well as other officials.
“The selection of the 737-8 and 737-10 reflects a careful evaluation of our long-term growth strategy, ensuring we have the right aircraft to meet evolving market demands,” said Ismail. “These next-generation aircraft offer greater fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced passenger comfort.”
According to MAG, the Boeing 737-10 will be the first narrowbody aircraft in its fleet to feature lie-flat business class seats.
With these new aircraft, MAG plans to gradually phase out the older generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Malaysia Airlines, aiming for a modernized fleet of 55 Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-10 aircraft by 2030.
In February 2022, the group placed an order for 25 Boeing 737-8 aircraft through a long-term lease with Air Lease Corporation, with 11 already delivered and the remainder scheduled for delivery by 2027.
The group currently operates a fleet of 113 aircraft system-wide, which includes 42 Boeing 737-800s for Malaysia Airlines and five for Firefly Aerospace, a private aerospace firm.
