ORDER - Vietnam Airlines has signed an MOU with Airbus covering five additional A350-900s, as part of a broader plan to acquire 30 widebody aircraft for growth beyond 2030

The proposed A350s are expected to be delivered in 2033 and 2034.

Alain Charpentier
 

ORDER - Vietnam Airlines to dry lease 19 B737-8s

Vietnam Airlines (VN, Hanoi Noi Bai International) plans to dry lease nineteen B737-8s from three lessors for delivery in 2028, the carrier said in a press release. The airline will source ten units from SMBC Aviation Capital, four from Avolon, and five from Phoenix Aviation Capital.
The additional aircraft will expand Vietnam Airlines' planned B737-8 fleet to 69 units, comprising 50 firm orders and the 19 dry-leased jets. The carrier did not disclose the lease terms.

The agreements follow an initial request for quotations issued in November 2025 for the operating lease of 20 narrowbody aircraft seating fewer than 200 passengers, with options for up to ten more.

In February 2026, Vietnam Airlines finalised its order for fifty B737-8s, converting a non-binding agreement reached with Boeing in 2023. Deliveries under the direct order are scheduled between 2030 and 2032, after the leased aircraft arrive.

Vietnam Airlines operates an in-house fleet of 94 aircraft, comprising one A320-200, three A320-200Ns, thirty-nine A321-200s, twenty A321-200Ns, fourteen A350-900s, six B787-10s, and eleven B787-9s.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Vietnam Airlines expects 50 B737 MAX aircraft to be delivered between 2030 and 2032, while also leasing an additional 20 narrowbodies between 2027 and 2028

The carrier also expects to operate its first freighter in 3Q 2026, following the delivery of two lease aircraft for summer flights.

 Photo: Flyingphotos AI

FLEET - Vietnam Airlines plans to issue RFP soon to dry lease 12 widebody aircraft, including A350-900 and B787-9/-10, to deliver in 2028–30.

The lease terms are for eight years.

Photo: Vietnam Airlines

ORDER - Vietnam Airlines Finalizes Order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

787 Dreamliner operator places first Boeing single-aisle order as part of its growth strategy

Versatile 737-8 jets will expand Vietnam's short- and medium-haul network amid rising travel demand

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Vietnam Airlines announced today the Vietnamese flag carrier finalized 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.

"Vietnam Airlines is taking a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to strengthening its capabilities, spanning fleet modernization, 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.

Vietnam and U.S. government officials joined Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. today to announce an order for 50 737 MAX airplanes.

At an event in Washington, D.C., Vietnam Airlines ordered 50 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to expand its future single-aisle fleet.

General Secretary To Lam and U.S. government representatives witnessed the announcement of the previously unidentified order, which solidifies the airline's commitment to partner with Boeing in Vietnam's growing civil aviation industry.

"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.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

SPECIAL SCHEME - VIETNAM AIRLINES / B787-9 Dreamliner / VN-A868 - Chim Lac livery.

 

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines to issue tender for 50 aircraft in 1H25

The chief executive of Vietnam Airlines (VN, Hanoi Noi Bai International) says the carrier will issue a tender for around 50 narrowbody jets in the first half of 2025 and a second tender will follow for about the same number of a mix of widebody and narrowbody aircraft.

CEO Le Hong Ha told journalists at an aviation conference in Bandar Seri Begawan this week that a 2023 non-binding agreement to consider buying fifty B737 MAX was yet to be firmed up, and while Boeing had offered very favourable terms, all aircraft manufacturers will be invited to bid in the upcoming tender.

“It is open to everyone. Boeing is one option - a good option because they gave a very good offer to us,” Ha told Bloomberg.

Also in the running is COMAC. The Chinese manufacturer is making a concerted push into neighbouring markets. Its deputy general director, Wei Ying Bio, met the Vietnamese prime minister earlier this month, saying COMAC is eager to "promote cooperation with Vietnamese partners."

State-owned Vietnam Airlines operates a mixed fleet of ninety-seven Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including one A320-200N, forty-one A321-200s, twenty A321-200Ns, fourteen A350-900s, five ATR72-500s (wet leased from subsidiary VASCO - Vietnam Air Services), eleven B787-9s, and five B787-10s. The airline is also awaiting delivery of two more A320-200Ns and three B787-10s.

Vietnam Airlines wants to grow to around 170 aircraft by the middle of the next decade to capitalise on rising demand and remain competitive, Ha said.

CH Aviation 

FLEET - Vietnam Airlines adds fifth Boeing 787-10 to its fleet

Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of its fifth Boeing 787-10 at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. The new aircraft is the 30th wide-body aircraft in the carrier’s fleet.

The Boeing 787-10 is currently the largest passenger aircraft in use in Vietnam. The aircraft has 24 business class seats and 343 economy class seats. The Boeing 787-10 is capable of carrying up to 15% more passengers and cargo compared to the Boeing 787-9.

Vietnam Airlines currently has around 100 aircraft, consisting of five Boeing 787-10s, 11 Boeing 787-9s and 14 Airbus A350s.

 

FLEET - VIETNAM AIRLINES RECEIVES NEW A320NEO AIRCRAFT

Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of an A320neo – the first of three aircraft types the airline will receive this year. The airline described the delivery as an “important addition” given the global aircraft shortage due to engine recalls, and noted that the introduction of the A320neo

 

FLEET - Vietnam Airlines revives regional jet plans

Vietnam Airlines (VN, Hanoi Noi Bai International) is revisiting a plan to induct regional jets to fly to airports too small to handle the carrier's existing aircraft, according to the airline's general director, Le Hong Ha. Speaking at the annual general meeting of shareholders in Hanoi on June 21, 2024, Ha outlined several prospective fleet changes he said would accommodate growth.

He said between 2025 and 2030, Vietnam Airlines intends to buy or lease 50 narrowbody Airbus aircraft, or alternatively, lease E190s, which can fly into airports such as Con Dao, Rach Gia, and Ca Mau. Ha added that in light of worldwide aircraft shortages and the ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues, Vietnam Airlines is reconsidering a plan to sell three A321-200s. He also said the carrier is studying the C919 and could operate the type in the future.

Vietnam Airlines' current 97-strong fleet includes forty-two A321-200s, twenty A321-200Ns, fourteen A350-900s, six wet-leased ATR72-500s, four B787-10s, and eleven B787-9s. However, eleven of the A321-200Ns are out-of-service for mandated engine inspections. Ha said another six will go out of service by the end of the year, and he expects the engine inspections to take until the end of 2025 to complete. Consequently, in the short term, aircraft operating hours have been increased, and the network "rearranged."

In 2022, Ha canvassed the prospects of operating regional jets. At the time, he said the carrier was looking at the E190, E195, or A220 types and that he hoped to see the first flying by the end of 2023. Ha said they would replace the ATR72-500s, which subsidiary VASCO - Vietnam Air Services (0V, Ho Chi Minh City) operates on behalf of Vietnam Airlines.

Meanwhile, the state-owned carrier recorded consolidated calendar 2023 revenue of VND93.265 trillion dong (USD3.66 billion), nearly 30% higher than the previous year and approaching pre-pandemic peak levels. Pre-tax consolidated losses decreased by VND5.583 trillion (USD219 million), halving compared to 2022. Vietnam Airlines chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa told the meeting the board's primary goal in 2024 is to reduce losses and balance revenue and expenditure.

In the wake of the meeting, Bloomberg reported on a statement on Viet Nam's National Assembly's website that said the airline was facing a financial crisis because it had not completed refinancing tasks such as restructuring non-core investments and the sale of new shares. This was reportedly due to regulatory approval delays. However, the statement also warned that Vietnam Airlines faced insolvency as soon as next month if the repayment deadline for a government-backed loan is not extended.

Vietnam Airlines received VND4 trillion (USD157 million) in low-cost loans from commercial banks during Covid-19 that were refinanced at 0% interest in 2021 by the country's central bank. Repayments are now falling due. However, the government now wants parliament to approve a repayment extension through December 31, 2027, giving the airline time to complete its restructuring.
Ch Aviation

 

NEW FLEET - Vietnam Airlines Selects 50 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes to Grow its Fleet

- New deal for 50 737 MAX jets enables airline to grow and meet market demand
- With 737 MAX efficiency and flexibility, Vietnam Airlines will expand service and add new routes across their network

HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Vietnam Airlines announced today the carrier has selected the 737 MAX family to expand its single-aisle fleet, with a commitment to order 50 737-8 airplanes. With enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental performance, the 737 MAX will provide best-in-class flexibility for Vietnam's growing aviation market. The commitment was announced during a signing ceremony with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House officials and Vietnamese government leaders on Monday, Sept. 11.


U.S. and Vietnam officials said the commitment will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing's long history of collaboration with Vietnam's civil aviation industry, the carrier's 737 MAX fleet will support the country's goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.


Boeing Vietnam Airlines 737
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Boeing Vietnam Airlines 737
Boeing Vietnam Airlines Group Photo
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Boeing Vietnam Airlines Group Photo
"In line with Vietnam Airlines' 2025-2030 fleet strategy and a vision to 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial project that underpins positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the airline, said Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines. "The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to foster our overall development and extend our high-quality service on Vietnam Airlines' domestic and Asian routes, as well as modernize our fuel-efficient fleet."


"Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect airplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet that regional demand," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s."


Since the launch, more than 100 customers around the world have placed firm orders for more than 5,600 737 MAX airplanes. The 737 MAX reduces fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% and has a smaller noise footprint than airplanes it replaces. The jets offer increased comfort and relaxation for passengers, with modern sculpted sidewalls, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead storage bins.


The 737 MAX family will allow Vietnam Airlines to fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km) to serve increasingly popular international and regional routes. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 15 787 Dreamliner jets and serves over 50 destinations in 17 countries. A member of the SkyTeam Alliance, passengers flying on Vietnam Airlines or any of its 18 partners can earn and redeem miles for travel to 1,000 destinations worldwide.


Boeing is committed to its strong relationships with Vietnamese suppliers and partnering to create a strong, efficient and resilient global supply chain to deliver the highest quality products and services for our customers. Today, Boeing has a corporate office in Hanoi and Field Service Offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.


Learn more about the history of the Flag Carrier of Vietnam and its Golden Lotus brand.

Vietnam Airlines / A350-900 / VN-A897

Ton Jochems
 

Vietnam Airlines announced the success of the first direct flight to the US, from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco, with B787-9.

 

Vietnam Airlines - A350-900 - VN-A895

Ton Jochems
 

Vietnam Airlines to auction A321s

Vietnamese flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is preparing to auction off eleven Airbus A321CEOs, that have been in service with the airline for more than twelve years. Due a loss of revenue brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to raise more capital, the state-owned carrier plans to sell them later this year.

This is not the first time that Vietnam Airlines decided to sell aircraft to increase its cash flow. In 2019 it put five Airbus A321-200s up for sale, followed a year later by placing a further nine Airbus A321s planes on the market.

Under the pressure of being delisted from the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, the Hanoi-headquartered airline posted its largest-ever quarterly loss in the first three months of 2021. The SkyTeam member suffered a loss of USD216 million, pushing its accumulated debt to USD620 million, over its charter capital.

VIETNAM AIRLINES - A320NEO - F-WWIU

Alain Charpentier
 

Vietnam Airlines Flies Its First Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

Vietnamese flag carrier to put largest Dreamliner on some of the world's busiest destinations

787-10 is the most efficient twin-aisle jet flying today and can cover more than 95 percent of twin-aisle routes

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the first of eight 787-10 Dreamliner airplanes to Vietnam Airlines today via lease from Air Lease Corporation [NYSE: AL]. The Vietnamese flag carrier plans to put the 787-10 – the most fuel-efficient twin-aisle airplane in the industry – on the busiest routes in its expanding network.

"Welcoming the largest member of the 787 family to our growing fleet ensures we continue to boast one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia and also adds a competitive edge to Vietnam Airlines' operations. We appreciate the unbeatable efficiency performance with reduced fuel burn and outstanding passenger comfort and amenities," said Pham Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines. "On our journey to become a 5-star airline, we are confident that the Boeing 787-10 fleet will further elevate the customer experience on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route as well as many international routes."

The new 787-10 will complement Vietnam Airlines' existing fleet of 787-9 jets. Both feature the Dreamliner's ultra-efficient technology and passenger-pleasing comforts. The 787-10 is longer than the 787-9, providing the space to carry 40 more passengers and more cargo and helping it offer the lowest operating costs per seat of any twin-aisle jet in service today. Vietnam Airlines is outfitting its 787-10 models with 367 seats (24 in business class and 343 in economy class). In addition to its size and fuel efficiency, the 787-10 can cover long distances. With a published range of 6,430 nautical miles (11,910 km), the 787-10 can fly more than 95 percent of the world's twin-aisle routes.

"ALC is extremely pleased to announce this important first 787-10 delivery to Vietnam Airlines with Boeing and be the first lessor to introduce the airline to the -10," said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "This first of eight 787-10s from ALC will significantly contribute to Vietnam Airlines' ongoing major widebody fleet upgrade with the latest technology. ALC values our long-time role as an advisor when planning the growth and replacement of Vietnam Airlines' fleet to maintain the airline's leading position in Southeast Asia and worldwide."

With the delivery to Vietnam Airlines, the 787-10 continues to expand its global presence. More than 30 of this Dreamliner model have been delivered to six operators since the airplane entered commercial service last year. Airlines are deploying the 787-10 around the world, especially in Asia as it is home to more than half of all 787-10 destinations.

"Vietnam Airlines has achieved impressive growth in recent years and helped power the rapid rise of commercial aviation in Southeast Asia. We see even greater potential ahead and the 787-10 brings the perfect combination of size and efficiency for Vietnam Airlines to serve high-demand routes, while the longer-range 787-9 delivers the flexibility to connect the world's major cities with popular destinations in Vietnam and surrounding countries," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing of The Boeing Company. "We are excited to partner once again with ALC to bring a state-of-the-art airplane to a valued customer. We are confident the 787-10 will help Vietnam Airlines continue to grow its regional and international network and improve its award-winning service."

To optimize the performance of its 787 fleet, Vietnam Airlines uses Boeing Global Services solutions such as Airplane Health Management (AHM) to capture real-time flight data and enable predictive maintenance. AHM is powered by Boeing AnalytX, a collection of software and consulting services that transform raw data into greater efficiency during every phase of flight.

About Vietnam Airlines:

Vietnam Airlines - a member of SkyTeam Alliance - is the flag carrier of Vietnam and the major carrier in the South East Asia, operating 95 routes to 22 domestic and 29 international destinations with an average of 400 flights per day. Skytrax - the world's leading airline and airport rating organization - has ranked Vietnam Airlines as a 4-Star Airline for four consecutive years. Positioning itself as a modern carrier with an internationally recognisable brand characterised by Vietnamese traditional culture, Vietnam Airlines aims to achieve 5-star status and become a major airline in Asia.

About Air Lease Corporation (AL)

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. For more information, visit ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com.

Vietnam Airlines Frankfurt aircraft changes from July 2019

Vietnam Airlines from July 2019 is adjusting operational aircraft for service to Frankfurt, currently operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Planned changes as follow.

Hanoi – Frankfurt eff 01JUL19 A350-900XWB replaces 787-9, 6 weekly

VN037 HAN2325 – 0600+1FRA 359 x2
VN036 FRA1355 – 0550+1HAN 359 x3

Ho Chi Minh City – Frankfurt eff 30JUN19 A350-900XWB replaces 787-9, 4 weekly

VN031 SGN2330 – 0630+1FRA 359 x146
VN030 FRA1435 – 0715+1SGN 359 x257

By Jim Liu

Vietnam Airlines takes delivery of its first A321neo

Vietnam Airlines (VNA), the national carrier of Vietnam, has taken delivery of its first A321neo in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft has been acquired on lease from Aviation Capital Group (ACG).

Vietnam Airlines will receive 20 A321neo aircraft under its fleet renewal programme. The new addition complements the airline’s Airbus fleet that currently includes 57 A321ceo, three A330-200s and 12 long-range A350 XWB aircraft.

Powered by Pratt and Whitney Pure Power engines, the Vietnam Airlines A321neo features a premium two-class layout with eight business class seats and 195 economy class seats.

Selected for its outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and range, the A321neo will be deployed by Vietnam Airlines on services across Asia.

The A320neo and its derivative aircraft family members are the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,100 orders from over 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It has pioneered and incorporated the latest technologies, including its new generation engines and the industry's reference cabin design, delivering 20% fuel cost savings alone. The A320neo also offers significant environmental benefits with nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

VIETNAM AIRLINES - A350-900 - F-WZFN msn 197 (VN-A897)

Alain Charpentier - TLS