KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia plans to purchase another 30 Boeing aircraft as part of the second phase of its procurement deal with the United States, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said the move is part of ongoing reciprocal negotiations aimed at addressing Malaysia’s trade deficit with the US.
“To help reduce the trade imbalance, Malaysia will proceed with large-scale purchases, including Boeing aircraft. Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has already committed to buying 30 aircraft worth US$9.5 billion under the first phase, and another 30 aircraft valued at US$9.5 billion in the second phase,” Zafrul said at a special press conference on the US tariff announcement.
The United States recently announced a reduction in tariffs on Malaysian exports, cutting them to 19% from the previously planned 25%.
MAG had earlier confirmed its plan to upgrade its fleet with new Boeing aircraft, reinforcing Malaysia’s position in the global aviation industry. The order includes 30 aircraft—18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s—powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, with an option to purchase 30 more.
These deals are part of broader negotiations between the US and several countries—including Japan, the UAE, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Bangladesh—aimed at securing aircraft orders in exchange for lower US tariffs.
