Industry Malaysia Airlines signs MOU for 16 Boeing aircraft

"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 Peter Bellew, managing director and chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines. "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 a fleet of 75 aircraft including more than 50 Next-Generation 737s. The carrier has an additional 25 737 MAXs on order, including 10 for the new 737 MAX 10.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be the first Boeing long haul aircraft in the fleet of Malaysia Airlines after the former Boeing 777-200 were sold during restructuring process in the last years. Currently Malaysia Airlines operates a long haul fleet with Airbus A330 and A380. The carrier has additionally ordered six Airbus A350-900.

Earlier this year Malaysia Airlines announced plans to reconfigure its six Airbus A380 aircraft with 650-700 seats to transport Hajj pilgrimage passengers.