Industry Vietnam Airlines orders 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to modernise fleet

As one of the larger carriers in Asia, Vietnam Airlines has published its fleet modernisation plans by putting pen to paper with manufacturer Boeing over 50 new 737 MAX aircraft that will not only bolster the fleet but also make operations more sustainable for the carrier.

Vietnam Airlines sees the 737 MAX as perfect aircraft to meet the demand of Vietnam’s growing aviation market. After the pandemic, air travel numbers have surged to pre-pandemic levels. This is why many airlines are ordering new aircraft to meet the growing customer demand.

During a signing ceremony with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House officials and Vietnamese government leaders the deal had been signed. Both sides emphasised that this deal will bolster jobs in both countries and will strengthen the bilateral economic partnership between the two countries.

Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, commented: "In line with Vietnam Airlines' 2025-2030 fleet strategy and a vision to 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial project that underpins positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the airline […] The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to foster our overall development and extend our high-quality service on Vietnam Airlines' domestic and Asian routes, as well as modernize our fuel-efficient fleet."

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, added: "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 that regional demand […] We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s."

Since the launch of the aircraft family, Boeing has acquired more than 100 customers for its 737 MAX. The product family consists of the variants 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9 and 737 MAX 10. After production issues and two fatal crashes, Boeing has now re-certificated the aircraft family and the global fleet has entered into normal passenger service again.