Malaysia Airlines Bets Big on the 737 MAX

What a week it’s been in the aviation arms race. First, ANA splashed out on 70 shiny new planes. Then EVA Air and JAL jumped in because everyone in Asia apparently decided it’s time to bulk-buy aircraft like they’re stocking up on Black Friday deals. Now, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has joined the party, placing a firm order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX jets because clearly, the sky needs more blue-and-red birds.

Malaysia Airlines: A Quick Recap

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s get the who’s who out of the way:

Full Name: Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB)

IATA Code: MH

Founded: 1947 (back when it was Malayan Airways)

Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Main Hub: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Alliance: Oneworld (since 2013)

Frequent Flyer Program: Enrich (which, ironically, isn’t that enriching)

Malaysia Airlines’ Current Fleet: What’s Flying Now?

Right now, Malaysia Airlines has about 85 aircraft, with a mix of wide-body and narrow-body jets:

Airbus A330-200 – 8

Airbus A330-300 – 15

Airbus A330-900neo – 2

Airbus A350-900 – 7

Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 11

Boeing 737-800 – 42

So, What’s in This New Boeing Order?

Malaysia Airlines’ parent group, MAG, is doubling down on single-aisle efficiency, ordering a mix of 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 10 aircraft, all powered by the CFM International LEAP-1B engines:

• 18 x Boeing 737 MAX 8
• 12 x Boeing 737 MAX 10
• Options for another 30 jets (because why not?)

This is all part of Malaysia Airlines grand plan to refresh its fleet. Deliveries will run until 2030, by which point those trusty 737-800s will be retired (or sent to the desert, whichever comes first).

Biggest Change? Lie-Flat Seats on a Narrowbody!

Here’s where it gets exciting, Malaysia Airlines plans to install lie-flat seats in business class on the 737 MAX 10. That’s right, an actual bed on a single-aisle aircraft. This will be a first for Malaysia Airlines narrowbody fleet, which will definitely shake up the regional premium market.

A Word from MAG’s Big Boss

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, had this to say about the order:

“The Boeing 737 has been a cornerstone of our fleet since 1969, with the introduction of the first 737-100 during the Malaysia-Singapore Airlines era. It has since played a vital role in supporting the growth of our national airline.”

Translation: We’ve been flying Boeings since forever, and we’re not stopping now.

He also highlighted that the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 10 are about fuel efficiency, extended range, and passenger comfort, which is airline-speak for ‘cheaper to run while keeping passengers slightly happier’.

More Planes on the Way

This Boeing deal isn’t the only fleet refresh happening at Malaysia Airlines. Back in August 2022, they also ordered 20 Airbus A330-900neos to replace older A330s:

• 10 purchased directly from Airbus
• 10 leased from Dublin-based Avolon

Because when you’re an airline trying to stay competitive, having a foot in both the Boeing and Airbus camps is just good business.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for Malaysia Airlines

With this 737 MAX order, Malaysia Airlines is future-proofing its short-haul and regional routes while setting itself up for long-term efficiency (and hopefully profitability). The introduction of lie-flat seats on the MAX 10 is a bold move, and if it catches on, we might see a more premium narrowbody experience across Southeast Asia.

So, if you’re flying Malaysia Airlines in the coming years, expect newer planes, better fuel efficiency, and maybe, just maybe, a good night’s sleep on a narrowbody jet.

Would you pick a lie-flat 737 MAX 10 over a standard wide-body business class? Let us know your thoughts!