Malaysia Aviation Group has placed a firm order for 18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 737-10 single-aisle jets, and options for 30 more, to renew Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft, and to help meet growing travel demand in Southeast Asia.

The region’s airplane fleet is projected to grow nearly 250% over the next 20 years, as one of the fastest growing commercial aviation markets.

Boeing’s commercial market outlook, the company’s long-term demand forecast for commercial airplanes and services, predicts passenger air traffic across Southeast Asia to more than triple over the next 20 years. Over 4,700 new aircraft are expected to be delivered to the region’s operators through 2043, with nearly 80% will be single-aisle jets.

Currently, Malaysia Airlines’ fleet includes more than 50 737 jet, with the additional 737-8s and 737-10s expected to offer operational commonality, the best per-seat economics in their class, and reduce fuel use and emissions by 20%.

Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group, said of the collaboration: “This is a significant investment for Malaysia Aviation Group, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge premium cabin offerings and state-of-the-art technology to our customers. The addition of these new airplanes will not only enhance our fleet’s efficiency and increase seating capacity, but allow us to elevate the overall inflight experience, with our passengers’ needs at the forefront.”

Boeing 737 has served as the backbone of the carrier’s single-aisle fleet since the introduction of the 737-100 in 1969, and the airline has since operated every variant of the 737 family.

The company has deep ties to Malaysia, responsible for the first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia with an all-Malaysian workforce, Boeing Composites Malaysia.

The facility provides composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplane, including the 737 MAX, and supports the country’s aerospace efforts through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations, and community support groups.

“We are honoured to build upon our valued partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and support them in modernising their fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing.

“Adding the 737-8 and 737-10 will equip Malaysia Airlines with the operational flexibility, environmental performance and additional capacity they need to better serve a growing number of passengers.”