KUALA LUMPUR (May 24): Malaysia Airlines Bhd has taken delivery of its fourth Boeing 737-8 this year, with the aircraft arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Sunday at 1:30pm, following its journey from the Boeing factory in Seattle via Honolulu and Guam.
The aircraft also represents the 200th Boeing aircraft delivered to Malaysia Airlines in its history.
The delivery is another step in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet renewal programme, which includes a total order for 55 Boeing narrowbody aircraft, comprising 43 737-8s and 12 737-10s, with deliveries scheduled through to 2030.
To date, the national carrier has taken delivery of 18 of the 43 737-8s on order.
In a statement, Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) president and group CEO Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said: "The introduction of these next generation aircraft will further strengthen our ability to support future growth opportunities and evolving market needs, while continuing to deliver a more modern and comfortable travel experience for our customers.”
"The latest addition reflects MAG's continued focus on fleet modernisation as it strengthens network connectivity, improves efficiency and enhances the travel experience across its network. The 737-8 aircraft plays an important role in supporting the group’s narrowbody operations with greater fuel efficiency, improved reliability and enhanced passenger comfort," he added.
Under the airline group’s third iteration of its long-term business plan (LTBP 3.0), which outlines its goals from 2026 to 2030, MAG will shift from focusing on stabilisation to disciplined expansion.
MAG is pressing ahead with its expansion plans despite elevated fuel costs, recently unveiling three new direct routes from KL to Shenzhen and Changsha in China, and to Fukuoka in Japan as part of its growth strategy.
Malaysia Airlines will begin daily flights to Shenzhen on July 1 and to Changsha on July 8, marking its eighth and ninth destinations in China. It will also resume service to Fukuoka on Sept 2 with five weekly flights, returning to the Japanese city after a two-decade hiatus. The airline currently operates routes to Tokyo and Osaka.