Malaysia Aviation Group Eyes Chinese Boeing 737 MAX Surplus

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings, is in discussions with Boeing to acquire aircraft originally ordered by Chinese carriers but now left unclaimed due to trade tensions between the United States and China. MAG Managing Director Izham Ismail confirmed the talks, noting strong competition for these available Boeing 737 MAX jets.

MAG is interested in taking over delivery slots for Boeing 737-8s, but Ismail highlighted that demand for these aircraft is high. “It’s a competitive space; 10,000 people want this aircraft,” he said. These planes could help MAG accelerate its fleet expansion plans amid Boeing’s ongoing production delays.

The airline group recently firmed up an order for 18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s, along with options for 30 more 737 MAX variants. This order builds on an existing lease deal with Air Lease Corporation for 25 Boeing 737-8s, 11 of which are already in service, with the remainder expected by 2027.

China’s recent decision to halt Boeing deliveries—following a 145% tariff imposed by the Trump administration—has left approximately 137 undelivered Boeing jets for various Chinese carriers. Boeing has begun relocating these aircraft, including several 737-8s from its Zhoushan completion center, back to the U.S. for potential remarketing.

MAG’s interest in these surplus jets could allow the group to mitigate delays and expand its fleet more rapidly, provided the available aircraft meet the airline’s specific operational needs.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com