Boeing and Malaysia Airlines Berhad have signed a memorandum of understanding for 16 airplanes during a ceremony at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington DC.

The signing was witnessed by Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Malaysian minister of international trade and industry, and in the presence of Dato’ Sri Muhammad Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, prime minister of Malaysia, as well as members from the airline and Boeing.

The announcement includes eight 787-9 Dreamliners by converting eight of Malaysia Airlines’ existing order of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and eight additional purchase rights of the 737 MAX 8s.

The deal also includes Boeing’s Global Fleet Care service to maintain the national carrier’s current and future Boeing airplanes.

“Malaysia Airlines is proud to sign this deal for the widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and additional 737 MAXs, building on our more than 40 years of partnership with Boeing,” said Peter Bellew, managing director and chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines.

“New widebody 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 USA destinations in the future from Kuala Lumpur.”

Malaysia Airlines currently operates more than 50 Next-Generation 737s and has an additional 25 737 MAXs on order, including ten for the new 737 MAX 10. 

“Boeing offers the very best widebody 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, 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.”