Malaysian Airlines, Boeing in US$5.5 billion deal to purchase 50 737 MAX aircraft

Malaysia Airlines Chief Executive Officer Peter Bellew said the deliveries will commence in 2019.

"The deal is a game-changer for Malaysia Airlines with much lower costs and greater efficiency, which we will pass on to our loyal customers with lower fares," he said in a statement.

Bellew said with the 737 MAX's longer range capabilities, Malaysia Airlines would be able to connect its passengers to more destinations in greater comfort.

The national carrier has operated almost every derivative of the 737 airplane family and took delivery of its 100th 737 aircraft in December 2014.