Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which owns Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), has announced on Friday the acquisition of 30 new aircraft directly from Boeing as part of its fleet modernization strategy.

The order includes 18 Boeing 737-8 and 12 Boeing 737-10 aircraft powered by the CFM LEAP-1B engines, with the option for 30 more 737 aircraft, MAG Group managing director Captain Izham Ismail said at a document exchange ceremony for Malaysia Aviation Group's Narrowbody Aircraft Replacement Order today.

"These next-generation aircraft offer greater fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced passenger comfort," he said.

"The expected delivery of the new Boeing 737-8s and 737-10s commences in 2029. However, MAG has the option for 30 more Boeing aircraft and it would be a combination of 737-8 or 737-10," he said.

The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

With the new addition, MAG will gradually phase out older Boeing 737-800s operated by Malaysia Airlines and aim for a modernized narrowbody fleet of 55 Boeing 737-8s and Boeing 737-10s by 2030.

The group currently operates a fleet of 113 system-wide, including 42 Boeing 737-800s under Malaysia Airlines and five under budget airline Firefly.