Vietnam Airlines Finalizes Order for 50 Boeing 737 Max Jets

Vietnam Airlines 737-8 Max. (Boeing image)

Boeing and Vietnam Airlines have finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking the flag carrier’s first single-aisle purchase from Boeing and reinforcing its fleet modernization strategy.

The agreement was announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., attended by government officials from Vietnam and the United States, along with Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Vietnam Airlines Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa.

Chairman Hoa said the investment in the 737-8 represents a major step toward building a modern, fuel-efficient fleet while strengthening operational performance and service standards. He added that the order supports the airline’s ambition to become a five-star international carrier by 2030 and deepens its long-standing partnership with Boeing.

The 737-8 will support Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and regional growth plans as air travel demand in Southeast Asia continues to expand. Passenger traffic in Vietnam is projected to double over the next decade to more than 75 million annual travelers. The 737-8 can seat up to 200 passengers depending on configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 kilometers), making it suitable for short- and medium-haul routes across Asia.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on regional and long-haul services, including routes between Vietnam and Europe. The addition of the 737 Max will complement the carrier’s widebody fleet, allowing for optimized capacity deployment across different market segments.

According to Boeing, the 737 Max family delivers a 20% to 25% fuel-use improvement compared to the aircraft it replaces, helping airlines reduce operating costs and emissions while enhancing passenger comfort.

Boeing maintains an active presence in Vietnam’s aviation sector through supply chain partnerships, technical training programs and university collaborations, with offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The new order positions Vietnam Airlines to expand connectivity across Asia while continuing its long-term fleet renewal and growth strategy.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com