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Malaysia Airlines Berhad is ready to buy 16 Boeing airliners, Boeing said. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed for eight 787-9 Dreamliners, eight additional purchase rights for the 737 MAX 8 and Boeing’s Global Fleet Care service.
“New wide-body aircraft are a key to making Malaysia Airlines a premium airline offering a five star product again. The extraordinary range of the 787-9 gives an ability to operate to any point in Europe and some U.S. destinations in the future from Kuala Lumpur,” said Peter Bellew, managing director and CEO of Malaysia Airlines. “The MOU with Boeing on their Global Fleet Care program will allow the two companies to build a world class MRO for the 737 MAX, 787 and 737NG based on Malaysia’s existing facilities in Kuala Lumpur.”
The eight 787-9s would come via the conversion of eight of Malaysia Airlines’ existing order of the 737 MAX. The care service covers maintenance of the airline’s current fleet, as well as future Boeing airplanes.
“Boeing offers the very best wide-body and single-aisle airplanes in the world and we are delighted Malaysia Airlines continues to put its trust and confidence in Boeing with this MOU for 16 Boeing airplanes,” said Kevin McAllister, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 and the 737 MAX will provide Malaysia Airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, economics and a superior passenger experience as they continue to grow their business across Southeast Asia and beyond.”