The program took place in Washington D.C. (USA), witnessed by General Secretary To Lam and a high-level delegation on the occasion of their working trip to the United States to participate in the Peace Council.
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the Company's leaders also worked with Boeing on the next plan to invest in 30 wide-body aircraft in the near future, with a total estimated value of more than 12 billion USD (according to the announced price), to serve the development strategy of the international flight network.
Vietnam Airlines is expected to receive 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in the period from 2030 to 2032, increasing the fleet size to 151 aircraft by 2030, prioritizing the development of a narrow-body fleet to increase frequency, flexibility and optimize operating costs. This is a strategic step to expand and modernize the fleet, improve operational efficiency and competitiveness of the airline in the new development phase.
Boeing 737-8 aircraft will be operated on domestic and Asian routes, meeting increasing travel demand. Vietnam Airlines aims to maintain a double-digit average growth rate in the next 5 years, with total passenger traffic expected to reach 168 million arrivals and cargo volume of more than 2.25 million tons.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines Corporation Dang Ngoc Hoa said: "Vietnam Airlines is proactively preparing resources comprehensively, from the aircraft fleet, financial platform to developing high-quality human resources to be ready to enter a new growth cycle of the aviation industry. Investing in 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft not only helps us build a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, but also contributes to improving operational efficiency and service quality according to international standards. At the same time, this agreement continues to tighten the long-term strategic cooperation relationship between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, creating a solid foundation to realize the goal of becoming an international 5-star airline before 2030".
Chairman and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Stephanie Pope said: "We are proud to continue to elevate the cooperative relationship with Vietnam Airlines by combining the operation of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with 787 Dreamliner to further expand the regional network and strengthen connectivity across Asia. The operating capacity, economic efficiency and passenger experience of Boeing 737-8 make this the ideal aircraft line to support Vietnam Airlines' growth strategy.
As Boeing's best-selling aircraft in history, Boeing 737-8 stands out for its advanced design, operating efficiency and superior sustainability. With a maximum configuration of about 200 seats and a range of up to 6,570 km, this aircraft is suitable for flexible operation on many routes.
This aircraft line is equipped with a new generation engine, combined with optimal aerodynamic design and high-tech wings, helping to save up to 20% of fuel compared to previous generation aircraft. On average, each aircraft can cut about 3.6 thousand tons of CO2 emissions per year compared to previous aircraft models. The passenger compartment is designed according to Boeing Sky Interior standards, using energy-saving LED lighting systems, large luggage compartments, space-optimized seats and wireless entertainment systems (IFE) will bring comfort and convenience to passengers throughout the journey.
Investing in this aircraft line not only improves service quality but also demonstrates Vietnam Airlines' commitment to sustainable development, emission reduction and efficient fuel use. Thus, Vietnam Airlines will simultaneously operate both wide-body aircraft and two of the world's leading modern narrow-body aircraft of Airbus and Boeing, continuing to affirm its safe and efficient operating capacity according to international standards.
To diversify and ensure capital sources, in 2025, Vietnam Airlines actively worked with domestic banks as well as leading US financial institutions such as US EXIM Bank, CitiBank... to arrange capital financing for strategic projects including aircraft fleet investment. Organizations can also provide consulting support to Vietnam Airlines in the process of working with relevant partners to build a suitable financial structure, ensuring investment efficiency and risk management.
On the basis of increasingly improved financial and operating efficiency, Vietnam Airlines proactively prepares capacity for a new growth cycle, while expanding its presence on the global aviation map with a record number of 14 new routes. The acquisition of Boeing 737-8 not only expands the scale of the aircraft fleet but also enhances the ability to meet the strong growth momentum of the Asia-Pacific aviation market, improving the capacity to supply cargo and service quality. Through this, the airline continues to affirm its core role in the growth of the aviation industry, promoting Vietnam's connection with the region and the world, accompanying the process of integration and economic development of the country, gradually realizing the goal of becoming an international 5-star airline before 2030.
