Malaysia Airlines Purchases 50 Boeing 737 MAX

Malaysia Airlines has announced an order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The deal is valued at $2.75 billion dollars at current list prices. The order also includes purchase rights for additional 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 airplanes.

“This deal is a game-changer for Malaysia Airlines with much lower costs and greater efficiency which we will pass on to our loyal customers with lower fares,” said Peter Bellew, Malaysia Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer.

“With the 737 MAX’s longer range capabilities, we will be able to connect our passengers to more destinations, in greater comfort and with superior economics.”

The Malaysian national carrier has operated almost every derivative of the 737 airplane family and took delivery of its 100th 737 in December 2014. Malaysia Airlines currently operates more than 50 737-800s.

“The 737 MAX will continue the superior operating economics and reliability of the 737 that Malaysia Airlines has depended for more than 40 years,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The 737 MAX will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. The new single-aisle airplane incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.