Vietnam Airlines and Boeing have unveiled an agreement to add 50 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to the airline’s growing fleet. This announcement was made during a significant ceremony attended by President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House officials, and Vietnamese government leaders on Monday, September 11, 2023.
Vietnam Airlines, in line with its 2025-2030 fleet strategy, has committed to this substantial aircraft investment, marking a pivotal moment for the airline’s expansion and development. The addition of these fuel-efficient airplanes is expected to enhance the carrier’s service quality on domestic and Asian routes while modernizing its existing fleet.
Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “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.”
Boeing’s 737 MAX family, known for its enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental performance, is set to play a key role in Vietnam Airlines’ growth plans.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, highlighted the suitability of the 737 MAX for the Southeast Asian market, saying, “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.”
The 737 MAX offers several advantages, including a 20% reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions compared to its predecessors. It also features a smaller noise footprint and improved passenger comfort, with modern design elements like sculpted sidewalls, LED lighting, and larger overhead storage bins.
Vietnam Airlines’ new 737 MAX fleet will enable the airline to serve increasingly popular international and regional routes, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (approximately 6,480 kilometers). Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 15 787 Dreamliner jets, serving over 50 destinations in 17 countries. As a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Vietnam Airlines provides passengers with access to an extensive network of 1,000 destinations worldwide through its 18 partner airlines.
This partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing is expected to boost economic ties between the United States and Vietnam, creating job opportunities in both countries and supporting Vietnam’s aspiration to become a leading aviation hub. Boeing has a long history of collaboration with Vietnam’s civil aviation industry, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767 aircraft.
Boeing also reaffirmed its commitment to its Vietnamese suppliers and its dedication to creating a robust and efficient global supply chain to deliver high-quality products and services to customers. The company currently maintains corporate and Field Service Offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
This significant development marks a new chapter in Vietnam Airlines’ journey, underlining its commitment to enhancing services and expanding its network to meet the demands of the growing aviation market.
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