Malaysia Airlines Parent Company In Discussions To Acquire Slots

During the week of April 15, 2025, it was reported that the Chinese government in Beijing had ordered its major air carriers Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, to cease all Boeing aircraft deliveries along with associated aviation-related equipment from U.S. companies. Malaysia Aviation Group is now in discussions with Boeing to possibly acquire the delivery slots for new aircraft that may become available if the China deliveries are indeed stopped.

 Izham Ismail, Managing Director of MAG, confirmed to the Malaysian state news outlet that the company views the tiff between China and Boeing as an opportunity to secure earlier delivery slots originally allocated to Chinese airlines.

China’s decision was in direct response to the imposition of U.S. tariffs of up to145% on Chinese goods. Beijing imposed its own retaliatory tariffs of 125% on American imports, significantly affecting the economics of U.S.-made aircraft for Chinese airlines.

However, at least two Boeing aircraft have been seen leaving the Zhoushan completion center where Boeing performs final preparations prior to handing the aircraft over to Chinese carriers.

Ismail said, “MAG is in conversation with Boeing about whether we can take over those slots.” He also noted that acquiring earlier slots would enable challenges, MAG to obtain the aircraft earlier than planned amid global supply chain and regulatory challenges along with labor disputes that have delayed Boeing deliveries.

MAG is owned by Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional and wants to expand its narrow-body fleet significantly by 2030.

FMI:  www.malaysiaaviationgroup.com.my/