The deal was signed on February 18 and witnessed by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam who was in Washington DC for the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Council at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, airline executives also held discussions with Boeing on a potential investment in 30 wide-body aircraft valued at more than US$12 billion at list prices, aimed at supporting the carrier’s long-haul international expansion strategy.

With the addition of these aircraft, Vietnam Airlines plans to expand its fleet to 151 aircraft by 2030, prioritising narrow-body jets to increase frequency, operational flexibility and cost efficiency.

The national flag carrier intends to deploy the 737-8 aircraft on domestic and regional Asian routes, meeting rising travel demand. Over the next five years, it targets sustained double-digit annual growth, projecting a total of 168 million passengers and more than 2.25 million tonnes of cargo transported during the period.

Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, said the carrier is preparing comprehensively for a new growth cycle.

“The investment in 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft will help us build a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, improve operational efficiency and enhance service quality to international standards,” he said. “This agreement also strengthens the long-term strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, supporting our goal of becoming a five-star international airline before 2030.”

Stephanie Pope, executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the partnership underscores Vietnam Airlines’ expansion ambitions.

Boeing is proud to deepen its relationship with Vietnam Airlines as it combines the 737 MAX with the 787 Dreamliner to expand the regional network and enhance connectivity across Asia, Pope said, adding the 737-8’s operational capability, economic efficiency and passenger experience make it an ideal aircraft to support the airline’s growth strategy.

The Boeing 737-8, part of the 737 MAX family and one of Boeing’s best-selling aircraft models, can seat up to approximately 200 passengers and has a range of up to 6,570 kilometers. Equipped with next-generation engines, advanced aerodynamics and high-efficiency winglets, the aircraft consumes up to 20% less fuel than previous-generation models and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 3,600 tonnes per aircraft annually.

The cabin features Boeing’s Sky Interior design, including energy-efficient LED lighting, larger overhead bins and wireless in-flight entertainment systems.

Vietnam Airlines said the investment reflects its commitment to sustainable development and emissions reduction while strengthening its competitiveness in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific aviation market.

To diversify funding sources, the airline has been working with domestic banks and leading US financial institutions, including US EXIM Bank and Citibank, to arrange financing and develop suitable financial structures for its strategic projects.

With improving financial performance and the launch of 14 new routes, Vietnam Airlines aims to expand its global footprint and reinforce its position as a key driver of Vietnam’s aviation growth.

Vietnam Airlines operates free Tet flights for disadvantaged workers

VOV.VN - National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on February 12 operated the first free flight bringing workers facing difficult circumstances in southern provinces back to their hometowns in the northern and central regions for the Lunar New Year (Tet).