Milestone moment: Vietjet receives debut Boeing aircraft

(NLDO) - Vietjet officially took delivery of the first Boeing 737-8 from its historic $32 billion order of 200 aircraft with Boeing.

Historic order between Boeing and Vietjet

On the morning of September 21 (local time, night of September 21 in Hanoi), as part of bilateral activities in Seattle, State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation attended the aircraft handover ceremony between Boeing and Vietjet at Boeing's delivery center in Seattle, Washington - USA.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Vietnam–US relations, the event marked not only a significant milestone in the cooperation between Vietjet and Boeing but also a vivid testament to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, contributing to boosting trade, investment, and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US.

According to the airline, the new aircraft will be operated on regional routes while advancing Vietjet's ambition to expand its global flight network.

Speaking at the event, Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo emphasized: "The first Boeing aircraft from Vietjet's historic order is the result of nearly a decade of cooperation between Boeing and Vietjet, opening a new phase of deliveries of hundreds more aircraft in the coming years."

Meanwhile, Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, affirmed that this is a new milestone marking the start of subsequent deliveries, underscoring the strong partnership between Vietjet and Boeing into a bright future, contributing to trade turnover between Vietnam and the US.

"The 737-8 aircraft will support Vietjet in expanding its network, launching new routes across Southeast Asia, and strengthening its position as one of the most dynamic new-generation airlines in the region," she added.

Vietnam – a high-potential market for Boeing

Also on September 21, State President Luong Cuong met with Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Discussing Boeing's strategies and commitments with Vietnam, Ms. Pope affirmed that Boeing will continue to work with leaders of Vietnamese airlines to gradually realize bilateral agreements, thereby further consolidating and strengthening partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts. 

She noted that Vietnam currently operates 17 Boeing aircraft under Vietnam Airlines, while Vietjet has signed contracts for more than 200 aircraft, with the first now being delivered. This, she said, highlights Southeast Asia's critical role for Boeing.

Agreeing with Ms. Pope, State President Lương Cường said that Vietnam – US relations are thriving, especially since the two countries elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2023).

The President praised Boeing's business achievements and cooperation with Vietnam in recent years, expressing pleasure that Boeing has completed the procedures for delivering new aircraft to Vietnamese partners. He also urged Boeing to continue close coordination to ensure timely fulfillment of signed orders with efficient operational and financial plans.

He further suggested Boeing promptly study and invest in component manufacturing plants and establish a regional-scale maintenance and service center for equipment and aircraft linked to major airports, serving not only Vietnam but also Southeast Asia. 

At the same time, he encouraged Boeing to create opportunities for Vietnamese companies to gradually join its global supply chain, strengthening a sustainable and long-term partnership.