Vietnam Airlines signs to buy 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft worth 10 billion USD

On September 11, in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines and Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding to sell 50 Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body aircraft worth 10 billion USD.

This cooperation has special significance in the context of US President Joe Biden's official visit to Vietnam and the two countries Vietnam and the United States upgrading their relationship to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

According to the signed content, the two sides will closely coordinate to research, evaluate, and promptly report to competent authorities for consideration, as a basis for promoting the negotiation process and completing investment procedures of Vietnam Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines and aircraft manufacturer Boeing have signed a memorandum of understanding to sell 50 Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body aircraft worth $10 billion.

According to Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam Airlines is currently developing a plan to develop its aircraft fleet for the period 2025-2030, with a vision to 2035, in which aircraft investment is a key project for the National Airline to ensure that it achieves its goals and strategic vision set out in the recovery and sustainable development period.

The project to invest in a fleet of narrow-body aircraft aims to serve the development plan, improve the service quality of Vietnam Airlines on domestic and Asian routes, and at the same time help us complete a modern, comfortable and fuel-efficient fleet.

“ Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, and the 737 MAX is a natural fit for Vietnam Airlines to meet the region’s needs,” said Brad McMullen, senior vice president of commercial airplanes at Boeing. “We value our historic relationship with Vietnam Airlines, which dates back to 1995 when the airline first leased Boeing 767s.”

Regarding narrow-body aircraft, Vietnam Airlines needs to add about 60 aircraft by 2030 and about 100 aircraft by 2035, including the option of considering operating the Boeing 737 MAX. This is a single-class narrow-body aircraft with a configuration of 150 - 230 seats.

The Boeing 737 MAX series is being operated by 70 airlines worldwide with more than 1,150 aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines' current fleet consists of 100 aircraft, including 65 narrow-body aircraft, operating more than 97 routes to 21 domestic destinations and 29 international destinations, connecting major cities around the world with attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Thanh Lam

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