Malaysia Airlines Boeing 787 deal slips
Malaysia Airlines has announced that they have pulled out of their talks with Boeing for a 787 Dreamliner order, potentially worth $2.25 billion at list prices.
Early last year the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for eight 787 Dreamliners and eight 737 MAXs when the former prime minister Najib Razak visited Washington. A few months ago, it was reported that Malaysia Airlines had expanded its thoughts and was looking to purchase 20-30 wide body aircraft from Boeing or Airbus. The order would be intended to replace existing aircraft as well as expand their fleet. Malaysia Airlines did mention that it was willing to build off the 787 MoU but has since pulled out.
Since the announcement, the airline has confirmed that a new ‘request for information’ has been sent out to manufacturers. No details have been outlined as to what the airline is looking for in terms of quantity, only that they want new generation widebodies. An order can be expected no later than the fourth quarter of this year should the airline make an agreement with a manufacturer.
With their entire widebody fleet consisting of Airbus A330s, A350s and A380s, it’s perhaps noteworthy that the airline thought the 787 was an unnecessary fleet addition. With the ultimate goal to streamline operations and reduce costs, this is a valid point to raise within the community. Time will tell when they make their decision.
Higher fuel prices, foreign exchange volatility and overcapacity in the domestic market are all contributing factors to the airlines loss this year. The global shortage of pilots is also causing the airline to scramble around to cover flights. This new request for information is being handled with care in order to allow for the mentioned streamlining whilst allowing the airline to return to profit next year.