Malaysian Airlines (MH) is assessing replacement options for its seven-unit A350-900 fleet as part of its 2026 growth strategy. Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) Executive Officer Nasaruddin Baker highlighted that the review and final decision would likely be announced at the end of 2026.
New aircraft deliveries
The group’s long-term business plan (dubbed LTBP 3.0) aims for its mainline fleet to grow to 116 aircraft by 2035. MAG already has a varied fleet of 94 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with B737-800s (40), B737-8s (18) and A300-300s (13) its most common. They are on schedule to receive 11 new aircraft in 2026, with six already delivered, four B737-8s and two A330-900Ns. They have also made commitments for 63 future aircraft (26 A330-900Ns, 25 B737-8s and 12 B737-10s). The group report they are not planning on replacing its A330-200F or ATR72-500s.
Whilst MAG is expecting a challenging financial year due to unstable fuel costs (already risen from 30% to 50% of the group’s cost base), its reports have benefitted from increased traffic between Australia to Europe traffic via the Kuala Lumpur (KL) hub.
The group’s network serves 26 countries, 74 destinations and 83 routes.
New role
Bakar was appointed to IATA’s Board of Governors this month during its 82nd Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bakar said of his appointment:
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed to the IATA Board of Governors. This appointment carries both privilege and responsibility, particularly at a critical time for global aviation. I look forward to working alongside fellow Governors to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue and policy direction that will strengthen industry resilience, accelerate innovation, and advance a more sustainable and connected future for air transport worldwide.”
MAG also recently reported its fourth consecutive year of operating profit and new routes in East Asia.
In May this year, MAG also marked the arrival of its fourth Boeing 737-8 aircraft because it was also historically, the 200th Boeing aircraft to be delivered to the group.
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