Malaysia Airlines To Order 737 MAX Jets

Malaysia Airlines looks set to confirm a new aircraft order as early as this Friday, March 21, 2025.

The prospective new order, confirmed to be nearing finalisation and announced by Business Times, aims to elevate the company’s narrowbody network.

A purchase, likely for the single-aisle 737 MAX, would enhance its commitment to the series for the future of its business while enabling growth and renewal efforts, too.

Reporting indicates that Malaysia Airlines will look to purchase up to 25 of the jets, ranging across multiple variants such as the middle ground 737-8, but the high-capacity 737-10 is also expected to be included.

The 737-10 remains the largest variant in the MAX series. However, it has been under a cloud since its launch. The variant is one of two still yet to receive certification and thus be cleared to fly with passengers aboard.

Invitations have already been sent to the media and more delegates to celebrate Malaysia Airlines’ purchase as it looks to grow its business in the coming years and beyond.

Talk of a new prospective order has been a long time in the making. However, it was forced to go through all the relevant steps before being finalised, which also saw Malaysia Airlines assess all available options.

In August 2024, it was reported that Malaysia Airlines was eyeing the Airbus A320neo family as the answer to its requirement for more single-aisle jets. However, a purchase in this direction would go against what it had become familiar with in recent times.

Speaking to Business Times, the managing director of Malaysia Airlines Group stated that it could be the MAX or Neo series; all aircraft were on the table, and the most suitable option would ultimately be selected for future flying.

The 737 MAX is now expected to be that option, and an order confirmation is slated to arrive within the next 24 hours.

A New Era For Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines aims to have 50 narrowbody aircraft operating single-aisle jet missions by 2035. These ambitious targets mean the company must target more jets to achieve this and ensure the continued transition to new planes.

These jets are all part of a new era that encompasses the transition towards more fuel-efficient aircraft, which aims to stabilise the business for decades.

In 2024, Malaysia Airlines took delivery of its first A330neo, a new-engine option to the A330ceo, which is also featured in the business but elevates the carrier significantly. The A330neo will offer up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

Additionally, Malaysia Airlines says it has become the flagship carrier in the world for Elevation seats, with 297 seats spread across 28 in business class and 269 in economy class. In addition, 24 economy-class seats will have additional legroom.

Collins Aerospace has designed its business class as part of the elevation design, which will be configured in a 1-2-1 layout once installed on the aircraft. These business class seats will also feature individual privacy doors; this increases passenger comfort and is being rolled out at more airlines.