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Archive photo of Boeing Composites Malaysia facility in Kedah
Putra Jaya, 23 March - Boeing, a global leader in aerospace manufacturing, has announced plans to increase its Malaysian workforce by 20% over the next two years, a move that underscores its growing commitment to the country’s aerospace industry and its deepening partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This decision, revealed by Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson in Putrajaya, comes alongside Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, acquisition of 30 new Boeing aircraft as part of its fleet modernization strategy. The announcement signals a significant step forward in Boeing’s long-standing relationship with Malaysia, a partnership that dates back over 75 years and has evolved into a cornerstone of the nation’s aviation and economic landscape.
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The workforce expansion will build on Boeing’s existing presence in Malaysia, where it currently employs more than 1,000 Malaysians at its composite manufacturing plant in Kedah. This facility, Boeing’s only manufacturing plant in Southeast Asia, produces composite products and subassemblies that are integrated into every Boeing commercial aircraft worldwide. With the planned 20% increase, the company aims to hire approximately 200 additional workers, further embedding Malaysian talent into its global supply chain. Nelson emphasized the strategic importance of this move, noting that the Kedah plant exemplifies how Malaysians contribute to the production of aircraft that serve airlines across the globe. The expansion is expected to create high-quality jobs, bolster local expertise in advanced manufacturing, and align with Malaysia’s broader economic ambitions under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has championed the growth of high-tech industries.
This workforce increase is closely tied to Boeing’s expanded collaboration with Malaysia Airlines, a relationship that began in 1968 when Boeing delivered three 707 jetliners to the airline’s predecessor, Malaysia-Singapore Airlines. Since then, Malaysia Airlines has taken delivery of over 140 Boeing aircraft, including 100 737s, making it one of the manufacturer’s key customers in Southeast Asia. The latest order of 30 aircraft—comprising 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 12 737 MAX 10s—reflects Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to modernizing its fleet with fuel-efficient, technologically advanced planes. These aircraft, set for delivery by 2029, will enhance the airline’s capacity to meet rising demand in the region, particularly as Southeast Asia’s aviation market is projected to require over 4,700 new planes by 2043, according to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook.
Beyond job creation, Boeing’s investment in Malaysia extends to training and sustainability initiatives that strengthen the local aerospace ecosystem. The company has already engaged in safety training, sustainability workshops, and university collaborations, fostering a skilled workforce capable of supporting its operations. Nelson highlighted that this partnership goes beyond commercial transactions, emphasizing Boeing’s intent to grow its supply chain and manufacturing presence in Malaysia. This aligns with MAG’s fleet modernization goals, which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described as not only improving travel and efficiency but also driving tourism, creating jobs, and fortifying Malaysia’s position in global aviation. The ripple effects of this collaboration are poised to benefit both Boeing and Malaysia. For Boeing, it reinforces its foothold in a fast-growing aviation market, while for Malaysia, it supports economic growth and positions the country as a key player in aerospace manufacturing. As Malaysia Airlines expands its network with larger wide-body planes, Boeing’s increased workforce will ensure the production capacity to meet these demands, cementing a partnership that promises mutual prosperity in the years ahead.