Aircraft leasing company Avolon has delivered the world's first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Malindo Air.
The delivery took place during a special ceremony at Boeing's 737 delivery centre in Seattle where Avolon, Boeing and CFM International, the aircraft's engine manufacturer, were present.
Avolon was one of the first lessors to order the Boeing 737 MAX when it launched in 2011.
Avolon Holdings, part of China's acquisitive HNA Group, said this was the fifth aircraft on lease to Malindo Air. It is part of a portfolio of 19 aircraft currently on lease to Lion Air Group.
Malindo is the fastest growing international carrier in Malaysia's Lion Group and has its main hubs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Subang Skypark in Selangor.
As of this month, it had a fleet of 45 aircraft and flies to 46 destinations across 16 countries.
John Higgins, Avolon's president and CCO, said this marked the first delivery of Avolon's commitments of over 60 737 MAX aircraft.
"Our commitment to our customers is to have a product offering built around the latest and most technically advanced aircraft available in the market," he added.
