Malaysia Airlines unveiled its upcoming Boeing 737 MAX, which is expected to be delivered in a month’s time.
The delivery will mark the airline’s first new aircraft since 2018, when Airbus delivered four new A350s. During the same year, Malaysia Airlines took delivery of six additional second-hand Airbus A330s, according to ch-aviation.com data.
According to Malaysia Airlines, the incoming 737 MAX, registered as 9M-MVA, is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) fleet modernization plan, which will see Malaysia Airlines operating 25 aircraft of the type by 2026. All 25 will be delivered on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).
Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries data shows that Malaysia Airlines had previously ordered 25 Boeing 737 MAXs in July 2016, with options for 25 more split between the 737 MAX-8 and MAX-9. However, in February 2022, the airline confirmed that it would receive 25 737 MAX-8s from ALC’s order book with Boeing.
The Malaysian flag carrier said in an announcement on July 19, 2023, that 737 MAX’s new livery “has undergone a significant transformation, representing Malaysia Airlines’ vision and aspirations as the national carrier”. The changes are mostly related to the iconic ‘wau’ logo, the symbol of Malaysian pride, which has been repositioned to “reflect the airline’s determination to move forward with optimism and energy”.
“Adorned with an exquisite songket motif in elegant gold hues, the logo pays tribute to Malaysia’s vibrant cultural heritage, underscoring the airline’s unwavering commitment to proudly represent the nation and its progressive spirit,” Malaysia Airlines continued.
Much like the renewed Boeing 737-800 NextGeneration (NG) jets, Malaysia Airlines new 737 MAXs will be equipped with the airline’s wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE), branded as MHstudio. According to the airline, the IFE system has “over 500 on-demand entertainment options, as well as personalized shopping experiences, so [passengers] can enjoy their journey on their own terms, anywhere and anytime”.
“The introduction of our new 737-8 aircraft in August 2023, sets a new standard in air travel, combining the best of Malaysian culture, advanced technology, and sustainable practices to create an unparalleled flying experience,” Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, the chief executive officer of MAG noted.
MAG is composed of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and MASkargo.
