Malaysia Airlines signs MOU for 16 Boeing aircraft

Malaysia Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing for 16 airplanes.

The MOU converts eight of Malaysia Airlines’ existing order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into eight 787-9 Dreamliners and includes eight additional purchase rights for 737 MAX 8s.

The agreement also includes Boeing’s Global Fleet Care service.

“Malaysia Airlines is proud to sign this MOU for the widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and additional 737 MAXs, building on our more than 40 years of partnership with Boeing,” said Malaysia Airlines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bellew. “New widebody aircraft are a key to making Malaysia Airlines a premium airline offering a five-star product again. The extraordinary range of the 787-9 gives an ability to operate to any point in Europe and some USA destinations in the future from Kuala Lumpur. The MOU with Boeing on their Global Fleet Care program will allow the two companies to build a world-class MRO for the 737 MAX, 787 and 737NG based on Malaysia’s existing facilities in Kuala Lumpur.”

Malaysia Airlines currently operates more than 50 Next-Generation 737s and has an additional 25 737 MAXs on order, including 10 for the new 737 MAX 10.

“Boeing offers the very best widebody and single aisle airplanes in the world and we are delighted Malaysia Airlines continues to put its trust and confidence in Boeing with this MOU for 16 Boeing airplanes,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin McAllister.

“The 787 and the 737 MAX will provide Malaysia Airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, economics and a superior passenger experience as they continue to grow their business across Southeast Asia and beyond.”