Vietnam Airlines plans to purchase 50 narrow-body Boeing 737 MAX-8s in a multi-billion-dollar deal.
The announcement coincides with US President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam for key talks on trade and closer diplomatic relations.
Growing demand for single-aisle aircraft has driven the carrier to acquire an additional 60 aircrafts by 2030 and about 100 aircrafts by 2035, including the Boeing 737 MAX, which has between 150 and 230 seats.
Vietnam Airlines fleet strategy
Dang Ngoc Hoa, the airline’s chairman of the board of directors, said: “In line with Vietnam Airlines’ 2025-2030 fleet strategy and vision for 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial strategy that underpins the momentum of the airline’s recovery and supports a prosperous outlook. The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to expand our high-quality services on Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and Asian routes, as well as further modernising our fuel-efficient fleet.”
“Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect airplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet regional demand,” said Brad McMullen, senior vice president Boeing commercial sales and marketing. “We value our historic partnership … dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s.”
Adding jobs
US and Vietnam officials said the announcement will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing’s long history of collaboration with Vietnam’s civil aviation industry, the carrier’s 737 MAX fleet will support the country’s goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.
Over 1,150 aircraft from the Boeing MAX family are used by 70 airlines worldwide. The Vietnamese carrier has a fleet of 100 aircraft, including 65 narrow-body aircraft, serving 97 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations, connecting Vietnam and the rest of the world.
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