Summary
Malaysia Airlines is closing in on an order for approximately ten Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, a move that would replace seven leased Airbus A350-900s and restore Boeing widebodies to the carrier after a decade-long absence. The deal, expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2026, would increase long-haul capacity on key Europe and Australia routes and introduce a new business-class product for premium travelers.
The 787-10 offers slightly more seats than the A350 but with a shorter range — though still sufficient for Kuala Lumpur’s current network. First deliveries are reportedly targeted for 2031, giving the airline time to phase out the leased A350s while its growing A330neo fleet continues to modernize regional widebody operations.
A fleet decision years in the making appears to be tipping toward Boeing. Malaysia Airlines has relied exclusively on Airbus widebodies since its last Boeing 777-200ER left the fleet in 2016, but the carrier is now reportedly finalizing terms for roughly ten 787-10s — the largest Dreamliner variant — to take over the long-haul missions currently flown by seven leased A350-900s. The shift would not only break Airbus’s widebody monopoly at the airline but also add capacity at a time when premium demand between Southeast Asia and Europe remains robust.
The 787-10 selection emerged after the airline evaluated multiple options, including the Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 787-9, and the delayed 777X. Industry sources indicate Boeing’s ability to offer earlier delivery slots — with the first aircraft potentially arriving in 2031 — and competitive engine terms from GE Aerospace helped tilt the balance. Malaysia Airlines has previously cited high leasing costs for its A350s as a driver for the replacement.
For premium travelers, the change matters most on the airline’s long-haul routes linking Kuala Lumpur with London, Sydney, and other major destinations. The current A350 business cabin seats 35 passengers in a mixed 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 layout, while the newer A330-900 already features all-suite business class with privacy doors. A 787-10 would likely bring a more consistent, all-aisle-access product — aligning the long-haul experience with the standard already set by the A330neo.
The details
Malaysia Airlines’ current widebody fleet is entirely Airbus: six A330-200s, thirteen A330-300s, ten A330-900s, and the seven leased A350-900s that would be replaced. The A350s entered service in 2017 and seat up to 286 passengers in a three-class configuration — four in first, 35 in business, and 247 in economy. According to the airline’s official fleet page, the business-class seat offers a 22-inch width, 44-inch pitch, and a fully flat 78-inch bed.
The proposed 787-10 order would add roughly ten frames, increasing overall widebody capacity compared to the seven A350s they replace. While the 787-10’s range of approximately 6,330 nautical miles is shorter than the A350’s 8,600 nautical miles, both can cover the airline’s current Europe and Australia network. The shorter range does, however, leave less margin for any future ultra-long-haul ambitions.
Boeing’s relationship with Malaysia Airlines dates back to 1969, and the carrier already operates a large narrowbody fleet of 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s. A widebody order would mark a full-circle return for Boeing at the airline, which once flew 747s and 777s. The formal announcement is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, consistent with earlier guidance from Malaysia Aviation Group.
| Aircraft | Business seats | Layout | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Airlines A350-900 | 35 | Mixed 1-2-1 / 1-2-2 | 22-inch width, 78-inch bed, no privacy doors |
| Malaysia Airlines A330-900 | 28 | All-suite, 1-2-1 | Privacy doors, 4K Ultra HD screens |
| ANA 787-10 (reference) | 38 | Staggered 1-2-1 | All-aisle access, typical 787-10 premium density |
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What the 787-10 means for premium travelers
The fleet shift is more than a manufacturer swap — it signals how Malaysia Airlines intends to position its long-haul product in a competitive region. The A330neo already demonstrates the carrier’s appetite for a modern, suite-based business class, and a 787-10 order would likely extend that philosophy to the routes that matter most to premium flyers: London, Sydney, Melbourne, and potentially new European destinations.
Capacity increases from ten 787-10s versus seven A350s could translate into additional frequencies or new nonstop services, which in turn may improve award availability. For those connecting through Kuala Lumpur, the aircraft type will increasingly dictate the cabin experience — the A330neo already offers a superior hard product to the A350 on many regional long-haul routes, and the 787-10 would bring that consistency to core trunk routes.
The airline’s fleet pages remain the most reliable public reference for identifying which aircraft operates a given flight. As the transition unfolds, verifying the assigned aircraft before booking or upgrading will be essential for securing the best business-class experience.
How to navigate the fleet transition
While the 787-10 order is not yet final, premium travelers can already take steps to optimize their bookings as the fleet evolves.
- Verify aircraft type before booking. The A330neo currently offers a superior suite product with privacy doors, while the A350 uses an older mixed layout. Check the airline’s fleet page to confirm which aircraft is scheduled for your flight.
- Monitor the Q4 2026 order announcement. A firm 787-10 commitment will lock in the fleet transition timeline, with first deliveries expected in 2031. This could influence
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