Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines said: “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 modernizing 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, Senior Vice President Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s.”

U.S. and Vietnam officials said the announcement will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing’s long history of collaboration with Vietnam’s civil aviation industry, the carrier’s 737 MAX fleet will support the country’s goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.

Growing demand for single-aisle aircraft has driven Vietnam Airlines to acquire an addition of 60 aircraft by 2030 and about 100 aircraft by 2035, including the Boeing 737 MAX, which has between 150 and 230 seats. The Boeing MAX family is operated by 70 airlines worldwide with more than 1,150 aircraft. Vietnam Airlines boasts a fleet of 100 aircraft, including 65 narrow-body aircraft, serving 97 routes to 21 domestic destinations and 29 international destinations, connecting Vietnam and the worlds’ mesmerizing destinations.