Boeing sells Malaysia Airlines 35 Next-Generation 737s

MALAYSIA Airlines has ordered 35 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes for more than US$2.6 billion with purchase rights for an additional 20 Next-Generation 737-800s.

The 737s will be fitted with blended winglets, which improve fuel efficiency by up to four per cent, increase range and reduce CO2 emissions and takeoff noise.

Malaysia Airlines CEO Tengku Azmil Zahruddi said: "This new fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s will replace our existing 737-400 fleet and support 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 digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically advanced aircraft in the single-aisle market, said a company statement, adding that the 737-800 can seat 162 to 189 and is 680 kilogrammes (1,500 pounds) lighter, can fly 481 kilometres (260 nautical miles) farther and 335 metres (1,100 feet) higher while carrying 12 more passengers than equivalent rival aircraft.

Boeing said the 737 has logged more orders to date than any other commercial jet model in history with more than 8,000 orders. Boeing has more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 with a value of more than US$160 billion at current list prices. Boeing currently produces Next-Generation 737-600s, -700s, -800s and -900ER (extended range) airplanes.

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.