SPEECH BY YAB PRIME MINISTER: ANNOUNCEMENT OF MALAYSIA AVIATION GROUP’S NARROWBODY AIRCRAFT REPLACEMENT ORDER

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MALAYSIA AVIATION GROUP’S

NARROWBODY AIRCRAFT REPLACEMENT ORDER

21 MARCH 2025 | FRIDAY | 10:00 A.M.

MILLENIUM BALLROOM 1@ LE MERIDIAN PUTRAJAYA

Yang Berhormat Tuan Loke Siew Fook,

Minister of Transport of Malaysia;

Yang Berhormat Senator Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz,

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir,

Managing Director, Khazanah Nasional Berhad;

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Captain Izham Ismail,

Group Managing Director, MAG

Rakan-rakan dari Boeing dan CFM; dan

Saudara-Saudari yang dikasihi sekalian.

Hari ini kita telah mencatat satu lagi tanda kesungguhan kita untuk mengangkat ekonomi melalui pengangkutan yang lebih efisien di bawah Kumpulan Malaysia Aviation Group dan Syarikat penerbangan yang dibangggakan oleh rakyat Malaysia. This is investment that reaffirms its commitment to continued growth and resilience. Notably, it enhances the connectivity of Malaysia to the world.

This milestone is not just about modernising the fleet but also fortifying Malaysia’s position as a key in player in global aviation and strengthening our economic foundation in an increasingly competitive world. Aviation has always been a catalyst for economic progress, opening doors to trade, tourism and new opportunities.

For decades, the national carrier Malaysia Airlines has been more than just an airline – it is a national icon, carrying our flag and our spirit to every corner of the world. Every Malaysian who has ever boarded a flight—whether to chase dreams abroad, reunite with loved ones, or return home after a long journey—knows the deep sense of comfort in hearing those familiar words: “To all Malaysians, selamat pulang ke Tanah Air.”

The investment goes beyond modern aircraft –it signifies MAG’s commitment to progress and the future of air travel for all Malaysians and communities it serves. These aircraft will improve travel, incorporate modern technology and enhance efficiency, while also creating jobs, driving tourism, and strengthening industries that thrive on a robust aviation sector. The ripple effect will be felt across our economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
This year was also marked by total regional recovery in the airline industry, as all regions have overperformed their pre-pandemic levels. Asia Pacific airlines led by a large margin in terms of annual growth, achieving a 16.9% year-over-year increase in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK). This illustrates the resilience in Malaysia’s aviation sector, highlighting not only our capacity to recover but also establishing a solid foundation for continued growth and expansion.

With Malaysia strategically located at the heart of ASEAN, we are a gateway to Asia and beyond. In the Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we are determined to foster a high-value, sustainable economy—one that supports innovation, attracts investment, and elevates our global standing.

Equally significant, it is about giving every Malaysian a national carrier they can be proud of – one that upholds our Malaysia Madani values of progress, fairness, and social harmony, while also championing sustainability and inclusivity. These principles are the foundation of our commitment to a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready Malaysia.

I am pleased to see that Malaysia Airlines is continuing its long-standing relationship with Boeing, one that has spanned over 57 years since the use of Boeing 707 aircraft in 1968. I trust that Boeing and GE Aerospace will recognise this partnership as a valuable opportunity to strengthen their presence in Malaysia, contributing to our nation’s growth and technological advancement.

Let these new aircraft serve as a symbol of our dreams, our ambitions, and the enduring spirit of Malaysia Aviation Group.

Thank you.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY YAB PRIME MINISTER: ANNOUNCEMENT OF MALAYSIA AVIATION GROUP’S NARROWBODY AIRCRAFT REPLACEMENT ORDER