Boeing Delivers First 737 MAX to Vietjet
Vietjet is set to welcome its first Boeing 737 MAX this Sunday, nine years after placing its initial order with Boeing. The delivery, which will occur during a ceremony at Boeing Field, marks a significant event as Vietnam’s president will be present.
Boeing and Vietjet: A Long-Standing Partnership
- Order Details: Vietjet signed a contract for 100 MAX aircraft in 2016, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2019. However, due to various delays, the aircraft will arrive six years later than planned.
- Aircraft Types: The airline’s order includes 100 of the higher-density 737 MAX 8200 model, 20 standard MAX 8s, and 80 MAX 10s.
Context of the Delays
- The planned delivery schedule was disrupted by the global grounding of the MAX aircraft following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
- The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed deliveries, and US tariffs on Vietnam this year added additional complications.
- Despite these challenges, Vietjet announced plans to invest up to $65 billion in the US aerospace industry, including deals with Boeing, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, and Pratt & Whitney.
Future Fleet Developments
Vietjet has ambitions to massively expand its fleet with both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The airline has orders in place for:
- Approximately 400 new aircraft.
- Up to 150 Airbus A321neos.
- Up to 40 Airbus A330neos for its widebody fleet.
- Additionally, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are expected in the future.
Current Fleet Composition
| Aircraft Type | Total | Average Age |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 17 | 12.4 Years |
| Airbus A321-200 | 36 | 8.5 Years |
| Airbus A321neo | 36 | 3.8 Years |
| Airbus A330-300 | 8 | 12.7 Years |
| COMAC ARJ21 | 2 | 2.7 Years |
Vietjet’s projected growth is substantial, with plans to add 300 new aircraft between 2025 and 2027, cementing its status as a significant regional airline. The company has already recorded remarkable revenue and passenger growth in 2024.
