MALAYSIA Airlines is expected to announce a deal to buy eight widebody Boeing 787 jets after Prime Minister Najib Razak meets with the United States president today, Reuters reported.

Industry sources told the news agency that the announcement of the deal, worth more than US$1.8 billion (RM7.6 billion) at list prices, would be made following a meeting between Donald Trump and Najib, who is visiting the White House at the invitation of the US president.

According to Najib’s itinerary, he will witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding  between the Malaysian national carrier and Boeing.

Malaysia Airlines declined to comment on “reports that are speculative in nature”. The airline’s chief executive said in June that it was in early negotiations with Airbus (AIR.PA) and Boeing for the purchase of 35-40 new long-range jets.

Boeing and Airbus declined to comment. – September 12, 2017.