He said the aircraft industry company employs more than 1,000 Malaysians at its manufacturing plant in Kedah, which is Boeing’s only plant in Southeast Asia.

“The historic announcement today builds on Malaysia Airlines’s standing and focuses on its future. The group is also looking at bigger widebody planes to further expand its network into other parts of the world,” he told the media after Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced its narrowbody aircraft replacement order here.

MAG announced the direct acquisition of 30 new aircraft from Boeing as part of its fleet modernisation strategy.

Describing Malaysia Airlines as one of the world’s leading airlines, Nelson said the latest aircraft order underlined its commitment to future growth.

Southeast Asia’s aviation sector had immense potential for growth, he said, adding that Boeing’s commercial market outlook for the region over the next 20 years projected a demand for 4,700 new aircraft.

“The growth is enormous, and keep in mind that 80% of people worldwide have yet to board a plane,” he said.

Nelson also emphasised Boeing’s partnership with Malaysia Airlines, which he said extended beyond commercial dealings.

“At our Boeing composite manufacturing plant in Kedah, Malaysians are making a little bit of Malaysia that goes into every Boeing aircraft in the world.

“We are proud of this partnership and will continue to grow our supply chain, expand our manufacturing presence, and ensure that we deliver on the confidence and trust placed in us by Malaysia Airlines,” he said.

Nelson also said Malaysia played a crucial role in Boeing’s global supply chain, particularly through its composite manufacturing plant in Kedah.

He said Boeing’s initiatives aligned with the economic ambitions of the Malaysian government.

“Everything we are doing supports and helps Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vision and ambition for the country,” he said.