The Vietnam Airlines 737 MAX deal is now official, with Vietnam Airlines finalizing its first Boeing single-aisle order for 50 737 MAX airplanes. The airline plans to use the 737-8 to support domestic flying and regional growth as demand keeps rising across Southeast Asia.
“Vietnam Airlines is taking a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to strengthening its capabilities, spanning fleet modernization, financial resilience and the development of high-quality talent, to support our long-term growth ambitions,” said Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines.
The announcement was witnessed by To Lam and U.S. government representatives. It also confirms a previously unidentified order, and it signals a closer working relationship between the airline and Boeing in Vietnam’s civil aviation space.
What the 737-8 adds to Vietnam Airlines plans
Chairman Hoa linked the order to fleet renewal, operational performance, and service goals. “The investment in 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft marks a significant step in building a modern, fuel-efficient fleet while enhancing operational performance and elevating service standards to meet international benchmarks,” Chairman Hoa said. “This agreement also deepens the long-standing strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, creating a strong foundation for our ambition to become a five-star international airline by 2030.”
Vietnam Airlines says the 737-8 will add capacity and reliability at a time when the country’s air traffic is expected to double to more than 75 million annual passengers over the next 10 years. Boeing describes the 737-8 as a flexible single-aisle jet that can seat up to 200 passengers, depending on the layout, and fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). That range fits the airline’s short- and medium-haul routes, which are often built around high-frequency domestic flights and nearby international markets.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “We are proud to build on our partnership with Vietnam Airlines and support them as they pair the 737 MAX with the 787 Dreamliner to further scale regional networks and strengthen connectivity across Asia,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737-8’s capabilities, economics and passenger experience make it an ideal airplane to support Vietnam Airlines’ growth plans.”
Vietnam Airlines currently operates 17 787 Dreamliners, flying routes within the region and international services between Vietnam and Europe. Boeing says the 737 MAX and 787 combination can deliver a 20% to 25% fuel-use improvement compared to the aircraft they replace, which supports network growth while helping manage operating costs.
Boeing says it remains active in Vietnam through commercial aviation work, supply chain activity, technical training, and university partnerships. The company also maintains offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which supports long-term cooperation with airlines, suppliers, and training partners.
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