Vietnam Airlines has announced an order for 737 MAX aircraft to expand its single-aisle fleet.
The commitment to order 50 737-8s was signed during a ceremony on September 11 with US president Joe Biden and secretary of state Antony Blinken present.
"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, said Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the board of directors of Vietnam Airlines. "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."
"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," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s."
Meanwhile, Irish lessor SMBC Aviation Capital announced today (September 12) that it has ordered 25 737-8s, increasing its backlog to 81 examples.
"We are pleased to conclude this further order with our long-standing partner Boeing and we look forward to working closely with them in the future. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to provide our customers with the latest-technology, most fuel-efficient aircraft, as they seek to meet their own sustainability objectives and reduce operating costs," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. "Our customers have demonstrated clear, long-term demand for the 737 MAX and our expanded order pipeline positions SMBC Aviation Capital for future growth against the background of a strong global recovery in air travel."
So far this year, Boeing says it has secured more than 400 737 MAX family orders.
