French president announces ‘historic’ deal between Malaysia Airlines and Airbus
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a ‘historic’ deal between Malaysia Airlines and Airbus. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a trip to Europe by finalizing a $20 billion deal with Airbus SE. The French president announced the deal in a joint statement with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Elysee Palace on Friday (July 4), calling it an important milestone in Franco-Malaysian relations. Macron said, “I am thinking of the projects signed in the key minerals sector, in the rare earths sector with the company Carestar, which recently opened a factory in the Lac region. I am thinking of this historic cooperation between Malaysia Airlines and Airbus in the transport sector and also in the energy transition sector.”
The announcement came during Anwar’s two-day official visit to France. Macron also noted that this was Malaysia’s first high-level visit to Paris in 15 years and he called it “meaningful”. Macron said, “The visit was successful. We also heard your speech at the university and it was a very important moment.” Macron referred to Anwar’s speech at the Sorbonne University titled “Southeast Asia and Europe: Redefining the Terms of Relations”, in which the Malaysian prime minister called for an equitable partnership between the two regions. Anwar confirmed the growing aviation ties, saying, “Airbus was our main focus. 20 for Malaysian Airlines and another 50 for AirAsia.”
Incidentally, AirAsia has also signed a deal to acquire Airbus A321XLR long-haul aircraft worth US$1.25 billion (5.172 billion Malaysian ringgit), with deliveries starting in 2028. Bilateral relations between Malaysia and France are expanding in key areas including energy, defence and high-value manufacturing. Malaysia’s national oil company Petronas is currently involved in joint ventures with French partners in Latin America and Africa. Anwar said the initiative could increase alternative investment opportunities for the Malaysian public. After his visit to France, Anwar is expected to attend the BRICS leaders’ summit in Brazil from July 5 to 7.
