Malaysia Airlines announced the airline has ordered 35 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft, an order valued at more than US$2.6 billion at current list prices. The airline also has acquired purchase rights for an additional 20 Next-Generation 737-800s.
“This new fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s will replace our existing 737-400 fleet, allowing Malaysia Airlines to expand to points which were not previously economically viable and will create a strong platform for the airline to profitably grow,” said Malaysia Airlines executive director and CFO Tengku Azmil Zahruddin Azmil.
“This supports our aim towards usage of more agile and fuel-efficient aircraft for our core network in the ASEAN region,including the domestic sector in Malaysia and the fast growing economies of China and India.”
The 737s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency by up to four percent, increase range,and reduce CO2 emissions and take off noise.
Malaysia Airlines operates a mixed fleet, which includes 747 passenger and freighter, 777 and Classic 737 airplanes,and carried more than 1.4 million passengers last year.