Vietnam Airlines is expanding their narrowbody fleet. The airline has purchased over 50 737-8 MAX aircraft in an order announced on September 11, 2023. President Joe Biden, Sectary of State Anthony Blinken and Vietnamese government officials participated in a signing ceremony to celebrate the order. Both the White House and Vietnamese officials recognize the importance of this deal, emphasizing the creation of jobs in both the United States and Vietnam with the aircraft order.
A Growing Fleet And Growing APAC Market
Vietnam Airlines 2025-2030 fleet strategy envisions an expansion of the current narrowbody fleet allowing the airline to enter into new markets. Dang Ngoc Hoa Vietnam airlines Board of Directors had this to say on the fleet expansion, “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.” Boeing is seeing strong demand for the 737 MAX family of aircraft across the Americas, Europe and Asia. According to Boeing, the Asia Pacific (APAC) market is one of the fastest growing aviation markets. In Vietnam alone, Boeing has opened local offices while supplying commercial and defense aircraft. In Singapore Boeing has opened up an Asia headquarters supporting commercial orders like Vietnam Airlines as well as defense aircraft procurement throughout Asia.