Vietnam Airlines has revealed that it will add Boeing’s narrowbody fleet after placing a huge order today.
Vietnam Airlines Purchasing 50 Boeing B737 MAXs
Vietnam Airlines is expected to sign an initial agreement to buy 50 Boeing B737 MAX series in a deal valued at about $7.5 billion. This comes after U.S. President, Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam this week in order to boost ties with the former enemy.
At the same time, Boeing confirmed the deal and announced the Vietnamese carrier has selected the 737 MAX family to expand its single-aisle fleet, with a commitment to order 50 B737-8 airplanes.
The aircraft purchase announcement between the two parties was announced as soon as President Biden and Prime Minister Chinh discussed the new U.S.–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and announced the U.S.–Vietnam Semiconductor Partnership.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing describes the purchase:
“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.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing
Vietnam Airlines Will Eventually Replace Aging Airbus Narrowbodies
This new deal is a huge blog for Airbus and a win for Boeing. Historically, Vietnam Airlines only has an Airbus-only fleet for its narrowbody aircraft. Specifically, the airline has:
- 48 A321ceos
- 20 A321neos
While the -neo variants are still new to the fleet, the -ceo versions are aging with some being 16 years old. Therefore, we can assume that Vietnam Airlines will be replacing the aging fleet with the B737-8s. Here’s what Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines describes the purchase:
“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.”
Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines
It is quite interesting that Vietnam Airlines ditched Airbus and transferred to Boeing for its fleet renewal as it would cost the airline time and money to retrain all the cabin crew and pilots to Boeing qualifications.
Summary
Vietnam’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines just announced to purchase of 50 Boeing B737 MAX aircraft, specifically, B737-8 MAXs. The announcement happened just as US President Joe Biden was visiting Vietnam for a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
This is a significant win for Boeing as Vietnam Airlines currently operates an all-Airbus aircraft for its narrowbody fleet.
