MALAYSIA Airlines parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is cautiously optimistic about receiving seven of the 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft originally ordered under its first batch of deliveries this year.
MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail revealed that the initial expectation was to receive 12 of the narrowbody aircraft but that number has since been reduced to seven.
Izham expressed concern about the possibility of further reductions, stating, “Will the number drop further? Maybe. We hope not, but we have made arrangements to extend the lease of some of our current B737-NG (new generation) already.”
Despite the delay in the delivery of the new aircraft, Izham assured that Malaysia Airlines’ capacity would not be affected. The airline is currently undergoing a fleet renewal program, which began in 2017 with an order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, followed by an order for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft in 2022.
To date, Malaysia Airlines has taken delivery of four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft—two in 2023 and two earlier this year. The airline expects to receive its first A330neo by September 2024.
Regarding future fleet expansion, Izham commented on the Boeing 777X, a widebody aircraft that Boeing is currently in the process of certifying with the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Although the Boeing 777X is expected to enter service around 2025 following a series of delays, Izham suggested that Malaysia Airlines is not yet ready to invest in this new aircraft.
“Maybe 20 years from now, but today we must be very careful on what airplane we invest in,” he added.
The Boeing 777X will be the largest commercial widebody aircraft since Airbus ceased production of its A380 superjumbo.
Malaysia Airlines had previously operated six A380s from 2012 until 2022, when the carrier retired the jets as part of a broader fleet modernization strategy, coinciding with its purchase of the A330neo.
Izham pointed out the importance of operating a modern fleet to manage costs effectively and enhance the passenger experience.
“We cannot continue to operate ageing airplanes. No doubt our airplanes are safe, but our planes are tired. That requires investment,” he further added. – Aug 14, 2024
