Vietnam Airlines finalises order for 737 MAX models
Sun PhuQuoc Airways orders up to 40 787 Dreamliners to grow international routes
By Asian Aviation Staff
•Feb 19, 2026
Boeing and Vietnam Airlines announced the Vietnamese flag carrier finalised its first Boeing single-aisle order for 50 737 MAX airplanes. The addition of the 737-8 will enable Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and regional route growth plans as air travel demand continues to rise across Southeast Asia. (PHOTO: Boeing) “Vietnam Airlines is taking a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to strengthening its capabilities, spanning fleet modernisation, financial resilience and the development of high-quality talent, to support our long-term growth ambitions,” said Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines. “The investment in 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft marks a significant step in building a modern, fuel-efficient fleet while enhancing operational performance and elevating service standards to meet international benchmarks,” Chairman Hoa said. “This agreement also deepens the long-standing strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, creating a strong foundation for our ambition to become a five-star international airline by 2030.” Vietnam Airlines will gain reliability and capacity by introducing the 737-8, as the country’s air traffic is expected to double to more than 75 million annual passengers over the next 10 years. As the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, the 737-8 can carry up to 200 passengers depending on configuration with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km) for the airline’s short- and medium-haul network expansion. “We are proud to build on our partnership with Vietnam Airlines and support them as they pair the 737 MAX with the 787 Dreamliner to further scale regional networks and strengthen connectivity across Asia,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737‑8’s capabilities, economics and passenger experience make it an ideal airplane to support Vietnam Airlines’ growth plans.” Vietnam Airlines currently operates 17 787 Dreamliners, serving regional and international routes between Vietnam and Europe. Together, the 737 MAX and 787 deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace, supporting the airline’s network expansion while lowering operating costs. Boeing is active in Vietnam’s commercial aviation sector, supply chain, technical training and university partnerships, and maintains offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Sun PhuQuoc Airways orders up to 40 787 Dreamliners (PHOTO: Boeing) Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways announced the new Vietnam-based carrier has ordered up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets to serve as the backbone of its widebody fleet. The airline will leverage the ultra-efficient, long-range 787 Dreamliner to connect international travelers to its Vietnam hub at Phu Quoc International Airport. “Our partnership with Boeing establishes a strong foundation for building a world-class airline that operates in sync with the tourism and resort ecosystem Sun Group has developed,” said Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, the airline’s Vietnam-based parent company. “We selected the Boeing 787-9 not only for its superior operational performance, but because it is the most suitable aircraft type to realize our vision of bringing Phu Quoc to the world and bringing the world to Phu Quoc.” With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), the 787-9 will position Sun PhuQuoc Airways to efficiently connect Phu Quoc with major cities and other tourist destinations across Asia, Europe and North America. The 787 Dreamliner delivers superior comfort to passengers with the largest windows of any widebody airplane flying today and air that is pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, allowing passengers to arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed. “We are excited to work with Sun PhuQuoc Airways as they join other global airlines in flying the 787 Dreamliner, which connects the most countries of any widebody fleet,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787-9’s unmatched range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will give the airline flexibility to open new long‑haul markets, lower operating costs and contribute to local tourism growth.” Since airlines began flying the 787 Dreamliner family in 2011, the global fleet has helped launch more than 535+ new nonstop routes globally and carried more than 1.2 billion passengers, further enhancing connectivity and expanding global travel options. With Southeast Asia poised for significant air travel growth over the next 20 years, Vietnam is expected to be the region’s fastest-growing aviation market with annual passenger growth of nearly 8% by 2030. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]
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Australian UAV Service taps Web Manuals techAsian Aviation staff is comprised of award-winning journalists based throughout the Asia-Pacific region led by Editor Matt Driskill. 《亚洲航空》的编辑团队由主编马特·德里斯基尔 (Matt Driskill) 带领,汇聚了遍布亚太地区的获奖记者。
