Malaysia Airlines may soon gain access to earlier aircraft deliveries as it enters discussions with Boeing about unclaimed 737 MAX jets. These aircraft were originally meant for Chinese airlines, but recent developments suggest those deliveries may no longer move forward. The parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group, or MAG, sees this as an opportunity to speed up its fleet renewal plans.
The ongoing tariff conflict between the United States and China may have influenced the shift in Boeing deliveries. Boeing has started returning some of the 737 MAX aircraft to the United States from China. The reasons remain unclear, as both Boeing and China have not shared any official statements. It also remains unknown who made the decision to move the jets.
MAG Managing Director Izham Ismail shared in an interview with Malaysian news agency Bernama that the company has started talks with Boeing. “MAG is in conversation with Boeing about whether we can take over those slots,” Ismail said. If those delivery slots are released, MAG hopes to secure them sooner than expected.
Many airlines are currently waiting longer for aircraft due to a slower pace of production and supply delays that began after the pandemic. Boeing, in particular, has experienced additional setbacks from a labor strike and tighter regulatory inspections. As a result, airlines have struggled to get new planes delivered on schedule.
MAG aims to address this challenge by accelerating its expansion. The company wants to operate a narrow-body fleet of 55 new generation 737 MAX aircraft by the year 2030. Any new opportunity to gain access to unclaimed jets could help reach that goal sooner.
Malaysia Airlines Current Orders
Last month, MAG confirmed a plan to acquire 18 737 MAX 8 and 12 737 MAX 10 aircraft. The agreement also includes an option to purchase 30 more planes. This move supports its long-term goal to refresh and grow the Malaysia Airlines fleet.
MAG has also arranged to lease 25 737 MAX aircraft from Air Lease Corporation. The lease agreement covers deliveries from 2023 through 2026. Ismail clarified that the Boeing aircraft currently under discussion would not be part of the lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation. He explained that any deal for those jets would require MAG to secure separate funding. “MAG would need to go to the capital market to raise additional funds,” he said.
Malaysia Airlines did not respond to a separate request for comment from Reuters about these talks. The ongoing situation with Boeing and China may lead to more changes in jet deliveries worldwide. Airlines like MAG are preparing to act quickly if delivery slots open up.
The possible shift in Boeing’s distribution process has created a window for Malaysia Airlines to bring in aircraft faster than expected. MAG remains focused on expanding and updating its fleet, as it explores opportunities created by global supply changes.
