Malaysia Airlines Takes Delivery of First 737 MAX

November 16, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 NOV | Malaysian flag carrier, Malaysia Airlines has taken delivery of their very first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft today, after a 3-day long journey from Boeing Seattle.

The aircraft, 9M-MVA, is one of 25 MAX jets leased from ALC by the airline. The 737-8 features 162 economy seats and 12 business seats to accommodate 174 passengers. The airline has also piloted a new inflight entertainment approach to the MAX jets, as they do not include seatback televisions, but instead have free wifi so passengers can stream their own preferred content onboard.

9M-MVA finally arrived in Kuala Lumpur today after departing Seattle on 13 November, with 2 technical stops in Honolulu and Guam- welcomed with a grand water salute. It also features a special songket motif that pays tribute to the country's vibrant cultural heritage. The first airframe was set to be delivered in August, but due to improperly drilled holes in the aft pressure bulkhead, there were unavoidable delays.

The MAX aircraft, alongside another potential medium-haul aircraft (to be ordered) will replace the airline's aging fleet of 40 737-800NG aircraft with an average age of 11 years.

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Sources

- Malaysia Airlines
- Boeing
- Simple Flying
- Planespotters.net