Malaysia Airlines Eyes Boeing Jets Dropped by China, and More

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the AviationOutlook Newsletter.

Your One-Stop source for the most relevant Aviation news briefs and industry insights (MINUS noise).

✅ 1 Email Daily ✅ 5 Min Read ✅ 0 Time Wasted

🫵 YOU become industry-smart!

Here are the 10 Top Aviation Industry Updates for you today.Let’s get started.

Boeing Jets, Dropped by China, Are Now Being Eyed by Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, is exploring opportunities to acquire Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that may become available after Chinese airlines were instructed to halt deliveries amidst escalating US-China trade tensions.

MAG's Managing Director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, views this situation as a window to secure earlier-than-expected aircraft deliveries to accelerate the carrier's fleet renewal plans.

Key Points

• Boeing has begun returning 737 MAX jets to the US that were originally destined for Chinese carriers, with at least two aircraft already making the return journey

• MAG sees an opportunity to take over delivery slots vacated by Chinese carriers, though competition for these slots is fierce among global airlines

• Any additional aircraft acquired would require new capital funding, separate from MAG's existing leasing arrangement with Air Lease Corporation

• The airline must consider multiple factors, including aircraft configuration and production status, before finalizing any deal

• MAG aims to operate 55 new-generation 737 MAX aircraft by 2030 as part of its fleet renewal strategy

• The airline recently ordered 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets (18 MAX 8 and 12 MAX 10) in March 2025, with options for 30 more

• MAG is transitioning from a predominantly leased fleet (currently 80%) to a balanced owned/leased model (targeting 50/50)

What It Means

This situation highlights how geopolitical tensions are reshaping global aviation supply chains, creating both challenges and opportunities for carriers worldwide.

Malaysia Airlines' ability to secure rejected Boeing jets would accelerate its fleet modernization timeline while potentially offering Boeing an alternative customer for aircraft that might otherwise sit idle.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. United Airlines Gets Approval for Asian Route Expansion

The US Department of Transportation has approved United Airlines' expansion into Thailand and Vietnam.

Plans include flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City operating as extensions from Los Angeles via Hong Kong.

Starting around October 26, 2025, these fifth-freedom flights will utilize Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

United cites increased demand for Thailand following "The White Lotus" series, while Vietnam continues outperforming regional competitors as Southeast Asia's third most-visited country.

This expansion strengthens United's position as the leading US carrier across the Pacific.

3. Second Boeing 737 MAX Jet Also Returns From China Amid Rising Tariffs

The second Boeing 737 MAX jet intended for a Chinese airline has also been redirected back to the US from Boeing's Zhoushan completion center near Shanghai.

This follows President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports, which China countered with 125% tariffs on US goods.

The retreat signals significant disruption to aircraft deliveries as airlines face prohibitive costs of approximately $55 million per plane in tariffs.

4. Riyadh Air Unveils Premium Cabin Design For Boeing 787 Fleet

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has revealed its Boeing 787-9 cabin design featuring four distinct seating classes accommodating 290 passengers.

Business Elite and Business offer fully flat beds with sliding privacy doors, while the aircraft includes the industry's largest 32-inch 4K OLED screens in Business Elite.

The cabin design incorporates Saudi heritage elements, including Mocha Gold accents and a sophisticated color palette.

As a digital-native airline set to launch later in 2025, Riyadh Air will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to loyalty members and groundbreaking headrest audio technology.

5. Chinese C909 Regional Jets Begin Commercial Flights In Vietnam

Two Chinese-built C909 regional jetliners have begun commercial operations in Vietnam under a wet leasing arrangement with VietJet Air.

The aircraft inaugurated flights from Hanoi via Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City on April 19, marking a significant milestone for Chinese commercial aviation in Vietnam.

Chengdu Airlines, the lessor, provides the aircraft along with crew, maintenance, insurance, and operational support.

This expansion brings the total to 15 routes operated with C909 aircraft across Southeast Asia, serving Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam, collectively transporting over 250,000 passengers.

6. Aurora City Sues Oregon Aviation Department Over Airport Master Plan

The city of Aurora has filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Aviation Department to prevent submission of the Aurora State Airport master plan to the FAA without proper land use review.

The $185 million plan would change the airport's designation from C-II to D-II, accommodating larger aircraft like 50-seat corporate jets.

The lawsuit follows a 2023 Oregon Court of Appeals ruling that airport master plans must comply with state land use procedures.

Aurora officials argue the aviation department is attempting to bypass local zoning requirements by seeking direct FAA approval, continuing a long-standing dispute over the third-busiest airport in Oregon.

7. Boeing Resolves 737 MAX Fastener Shortage After Supplier Fire

Boeing has secured alternative supplies of specialized nuts and bolts for its 737 MAX aircraft following a February fire at a key supplier's factory.

The company had been facing shortages of landing gear fasteners but found new sources, though at higher prices with some components seeing double-digit percentage increases.

Industry experts warn of potential longer-term supply issues as Boeing ramps up 737 MAX production to 42 aircraft monthly by year-end.

The SPS Technologies factory fire in Philadelphia created significant challenges for both Boeing and the broader aerospace industry, as these highly specialized components cannot be easily sourced elsewhere.

8. Coulson Aviation Adds 10 C130H Aircraft To Firefighting Fleet

Coulson Aviation has expanded its aerial firefighting capabilities with the acquisition of four C-130H Hercules aircraft from the New Zealand Defence Force, bringing its total C-130H fleet to ten.

The aircraft will undergo conversion at Coulson's Thermal, California base, equipping each with the proprietary RADS-XXL tank system capable of delivering 4,000 gallons of fire retardant with precision.

Company president Britt Coulson highlights the growing intensity of wildfires, noting that these large aerial assets are crucial for effective firefighting during extreme conditions.

The conversion process will begin later this year under FAA coordination.

9. Arkansas Institutions Launch Aviation Training Programs Amid Pilot Shortage

Arkansas educational institutions are addressing aviation industry needs with new pilot training programs at University of Central Arkansas and John Brown University.

UCA's Aviation Academy offers a flexible approach not tied to a specific degree, while JBU's Bachelor of Science in professional flight combines academic curriculum with flight training.

Both programs prepare students for lucrative aviation careers with projected annual salaries exceeding $200,000.

With airlines expected to hire 18,000 pilots through 2026 and global demand reaching 600,000 by 2040, these programs position Arkansas to meet critical workforce needs.

10. New Zealand Begins Construction Of P8A Poseidon Flight Simulator Facility

The New Zealand Defence Force has commenced construction of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft training simulator at Ōhakea base on the North Island.

An Antonov AN-124 Ruslan airlifter delivered components for the life-sized flight simulator, part of the "Te Whare Toroa" building project scheduled to open in 2026.

The $1.3 billion NZD simulator will provide realistic training environments for pilots and maintainers from the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 5 Squadron, reducing flight training hours and improving aircraft availability for operations.

This facility supports New Zealand's four Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft acquired from Boeing between 2022 and 2023.