The signing ceremony took place in Washington, witnessed by General Secretary To Lam and a high-level Vietnamese delegation during their working visit to the United States for the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council on Gaza.
Under the agreement, Vietnam's national airline will receive 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft between 2030 and 2032. This acquisition will expand Vietnam Airlines' fleet to over 150 aircraft by 2030. The move is considered a strategic step in the airline's fleet modernization roadmap, enhancing its competitiveness during a new phase of growth.
Vietnam Airlines plans to operate the 737-8 aircraft on its domestic network and regional routes across Asia. The airline aims to maintain an average double-digit growth rate over the next five years, targeting a total passenger volume of approximately 168 million and cargo output exceeding 2,25 million tons.
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Vietnam Airlines signs an agreement to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft, witnessed by General Secretary To Lam. Photo: VNA |
Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, stated that the airline is making comprehensive preparations across its fleet, finances, and high-quality human resources to enter a new development cycle for the aviation industry.
According to Hoa, investing in 50 737-8 aircraft will help the national airline build a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, thereby improving operational efficiency. The agreement also strengthens Vietnam Airlines' long-term strategic relationship with Boeing, working towards its goal of becoming a 5-star airline before 2030.
The 737-8 is Boeing's best-selling aircraft model, with a maximum capacity of approximately 200 seats and a range of up to 6,570 km. The aircraft features new generation engines, an improved aerodynamic design, and modern winglets, which contribute to about 20% fuel savings compared to its predecessor, reducing an average of 3,600 tons of CO2 per aircraft annually.
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, airline leaders also discussed plans with Boeing to invest in an additional 30 wide-body aircraft in the future. This potential deal is estimated to be worth over USD 12 billion and would support Vietnam Airlines' strategy to expand its international flight network.
Last year, Vietnam Airlines also engaged with domestic banks and US financial institutions such as US Exim Bank and CitiBank to arrange capital for fleet investment projects, establish a suitable financial structure, and manage risks.
Anh Tu
