Malaysia Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the airline’s 100th 737 aircraft, the next-generation B737-800 at an event in South Support Zone, Sepang.

The B737-800 arrived in KL International Airport at 1.45pm and was given a traditional water salute as it taxied towards Hangar 5.

Speaking at the event, Malaysia Airlines’ Group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said,”The 737 has, and continues to be, an amazing aircraft for our airline with its consistent reliability, unmatched economics and innovation in passenger comforts.”

“We used a 737 for our very first flight in 1972 and we are excited to now take delivery of our 100th 737,” he added.

Malaysia took delivery of its first 737, a 737-200, in 1972 and has operated the 737-200, 737-400, 737-500 and 737-800 as well as 737-400s and 777-200ERs.

“Malaysian Airlines is a valued customer of Boeing. We proud of our long term relationship and to be a part of this special centennial delivery”, said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The operating economics and capability of the 737 will continue to play an important role in Malaysia’s leading airline.”

Malaysia Airline’s new 737-800 features the 787 Dreamliner-inspired Boeing Sky Interior, with a larger pivoting overhead stowage bins, larger window reveals the LED lighting to enhance the sense of spaciousness. Malaysia was the Asia launch customer for the Boeing Sky Interior. The airline has an additional 10 737s on order.