Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has announced a significant investment exceeding USD 3.6 billion to purchase 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft as part of its fleet development strategy for 2025 – 2035. The move, revealed at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, aims to boost operational capacity, modernize the fleet, and strengthen the airline’s position in domestic and regional markets, especially Southeast and Northeast Asia.
The new narrow-body jets, configured similarly to the A320 and A321 series, will support growing demand on short- and medium-haul routes. VNA has already completed contractor selection and contract signing within the approved budget.
In addition, the airline plans to invest in 20 wide-body aircraft and expand its fleet further between 2028 and 2030. To manage short-term capacity issues, VNA will continue to use dry and wet leases, especially during peak travel seasons.
The corporation is also revising its old aircraft liquidation strategy. While five A321CEO aircraft were sold between 2021 and 2024, the 2025 plan now includes selling six more A321CEOs and six ATR72s, fewer than initially planes, due to delayed upgrades at Con Dao Airport and a tight aircraft market. Remaining aircraft sales may be postponed to ensure stable operations amid global supply chain challenges and engine recall issues.
(Source: Vietnamnet)
