Boeing and Malaysia Aviation Group announced an order for 18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 737-10s with an option for 30 more 737 MAX family aircraft. The Boeing 737 has been the backbone of Malaysia Airlines’ narrow-body fleet for nearly 60 years since the introduction of its first 737-100 in 1969. Malaysia Airlines has operated nearly every variant of the 737 family since then and will continue that legacy with this latest order for the 737 MAX family. With more than 50 737s currently in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, the introduction of the additional 737-8s and 737-10s represents a significant investment for Malaysia Aviation Group as it seeks to renew its fleet with aircraft that are more fuel efficient and emit less carbon dioxide.
Izham Ismail, Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, said on this occasion: “The introduction of the new aircraft will not only improve the efficiency of our fleet and increase seat capacity, but will also allow us to elevate the overall flight experience, with the needs of our passengers at the forefront.”
Boeing’s orders in the Southeast Asian market were joined by Japan Airlines with its order for 17 additional Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. These will gradually replace the 737-800 Next Gen, which, compared to the 737-8 MAX, have 15% higher fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions. The ordered 737-8s will feature the Boeing Sky Interior design, which will provide passengers with a special travel experience with its advanced LED lighting, a more comfortable and quiet cabin, larger windows and spacious baggage compartments.
Mitsuko Tottori, president of Japan Airlines, said: “The 737 has been the backbone of our narrow-body fleet for nearly 50 years, and we are honored to continue its legacy as part of our future fleet.”
Brad McMullen, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, Boeing, added: “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are honored by their decision to double the number of 737 MAXs for the airline’s fleet modernization program. By selecting the 737-8, Japan Airlines will gain operational and economic efficiencies, positioning them for success in the years to come.”
Among the orders is BOC Aviation, a major aircraft operating leasing company, with an order for 50 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. BOC Aviation, according to an official announcement from Boeing, currently has 69 737 MAX family aircraft on operating lease to more than 15 airlines worldwide. With narrow-body aircraft forecast to account for 75% of global aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years, the order brings BOC Aviation’s backlog of Boeing aircraft to 139.
“BOC Aviation’s latest investment in the 737-8 demonstrates the confidence that lessors have in this airplane to meet continued demand for air travel and improve fuel efficiency,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing. He added, “The 737-8 is highly sought after by airlines for its unmatched versatility, while generating significant operational savings through lower fuel burn.”
In addition to the narrow-body orders, Korean Air has also closed its record order for wide-body Boeing aircraft. The order includes 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with an option for 10 additional 787 Dreamliners. “For more than 50 years, Korean Air and Boeing have built a relationship based on trust and mutual growth. Today, we further strengthen our historic relationship with this significant order. We look forward to continuing our journey with Boeing as our trusted partner in innovation and excellence,” said Walter Cho, president and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group.
According to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projections for demand for commercial aircraft and services, passenger air traffic across Southeast Asia, the fastest-growing market for commercial aviation, is set to more than triple over the next 20 years.
