Malaysia Airlines nears order for first-ever Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Photo: Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

MALAYSIA AIRLINES TARGETS FIRST BOEING 787 ORDER

What Happened

Malaysia Airlines is moving toward its first-ever order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners, according to Bloomberg reporting from September 18, 2026. The airline is considering 10 Boeing 787-10s to replace seven Airbus A350s currently on lease, with Boeing offering delivery slots beginning in 2031.

Why It Matters

The potential order represents a significant fleet shift for Malaysia Airlines, marking the first time the carrier will operate the 787. The move signals the airline's commitment to modernizing its long-haul operations while managing lease obligations on existing wide-body aircraft. In Southeast Asia's competitive aviation environment, this fleet decision carries weight for how the airline positions itself against regional rivals.

Who Benefits

Malaysia Airlines gains access to the 787's efficiency and range capabilities for its long-haul network. The shift from leased A350s to owned or financed 787s could improve the airline's cost structure, particularly if owned aircraft provide better economic terms than continuation of existing lease arrangements. Boeing strengthens its foothold in Southeast Asian markets through an order that validates the 787's appeal to regional carriers operating intercontinental routes.

What Happens Next

Malaysia Aviation Group President and CEO Captain Nasaruddin Bakar is expected to finalize the order in coming months. Before a formal announcement, the airline will likely complete technical evaluations and contract negotiations. Assuming the deal proceeds, deliveries would commence in 2031, requiring Malaysia Airlines to coordinate fleet integration with its existing widebody operations during that timeline.