Malaysia reaffirms $19 billion Boeing aircraft deal with US in two phases

Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to purchase a total of 26 Boeing aircraft in a deal estimated to be worth nearly $19 billion, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Speaking at a press conference on August 1 held at the ministry, Zafrul said the aircraft deal forms part of ongoing commercial agreements between Malaysia and the United States, and was reinforced during recent trade negotiations, Caliber.Az reports via Malaysian media. 

“We made some commercial commitments, which have already been announced, but we reinforced them. One is the Boeing aircraft purchase,” he said.

The minister outlined that the agreement will be carried out in two phases, with each involving 13 aircraft. The first phase is valued at $9.5 billion, while the second phase is expected to match that amount.

“We also committed to an additional 13 Boeing aircraft for the second phase — also valued around that. So those are some of the examples of our commercial commitments,” Zafrul added.

While no specific airlines or agencies were mentioned in connection with the Boeing purchase, the minister emphasised that the deal is aimed at deepening bilateral trade and aerospace cooperation with the US.It is also expected to create downstream benefits for Malaysia’s aviation sector, including opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

By Sabina Mammadli