Malaysia Airlines has received their first of 25 Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes on order by Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG) through operating leases with Air Lease Corporation (ALC).
On Monday (November 20, 2023), Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, celebrated the arrival of their first Boeing 737-8 MAX with a launch ceremony held at a hangar at the MAB Engineering Complex. The induction of the aircraft type marks the gradual expansion and modernization of MAG’s narrowbody fleet. The jet’s first commercial flight, MH2640, will depart Kuala Lumpur at 15:40 today for Kota Kinabalu. The aircraft type will also serve other destinations across domestic Malaysia, before expanding to other networks across ASEAN and Asia as more airplanes are delivered.
In Monday’s announcement, Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chairman, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee, said,
“With the induction of our new 737-8, it will allow us to enhance customer experience, improve operational and fuel efficiency, and meet our future network growth requirements to support our vision for the national carrier. The inclusion of the 737-8 in our fleet holds more significance than just refreshing our aging aircraft. It acts as a meaningful bridge, connecting our history with a new era, aligning with our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 goals as we work towards becoming Asia’s leading travel and aviation services group.”
Malaysia Airlines’ new 737-8 is configured with 12 Business Class and 162 Economy Class seats and will feature a state-of-the-art wireless IFE system. As part of their fleet modernization program, MAG is also currently refurbishing 39 of their 47 Boeing 737-800NG airplanes, which will be completed in early 2024. Additionally, the Group recently acquired a new Airbus A350-900, and also has 20 Airbus A330neos on order, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in September 2024. MAG currently has a fleet of 102 aircraft across their Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and MASkargo subsidiaries.
Source: Malaysia Aviation Group