Malaysia Airlines hit by delays in getting new planes ahead of 2027 growth plans

Malaysia Airlines is facing delays in receiving new aircraft, Bloomberg reported. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 13 Nov 2026 11:11 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysia Airlines’ reportedly plans to increase passenger capacity by 8 per cent and introduce up to three destinations in 2027 could be disrupted by delays in receiving new aircraft.

In an interview with Bloomberg yesterday, Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, president and group chief executive officer of parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said late deliveries could require the carrier to obtain additional spare parts or reduce capacity.

“We are seeing aircraft deliveries being delayed. Not by years, but by months,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Bloomberg, Nasaruddin said the delays could limit the national carrier’s ability to meet demand, which remained strong despite higher airfares driven by elevated oil prices. 

Separately, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines said in a November 12 statement published on its website that aircraft delivery delays, maintenance bottlenecks and labour shortages continued to constrain operations and fleet modernisation across the industry. 

On its fleet purchase plans, Nasaruddin reportedly said that the company aimed to finalise an order for 20 widebody aircraft as early as this month.

Bloomberg had previously reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Malaysia Airlines was nearing a multibillion-dollar deal for Boeing 787 Dreamliners. 

In a separate November 2 statement published on its website, MAG said it was continuing to invest in fleet modernisation and network expansion as part of its longer-term growth plans.