Vietnam Airlines has agreed to lease 19 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from three of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies as the flag carrier accelerates plans to modernise its fleet and expand its route network.
The agreements were signed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the United Kingdom. All 19 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
Under the deals, Vietnam Airlines will lease 10 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital, four from Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited and five from Phoenix Aviation Capital, which is managed by AIP Capital.
The agreements come at a time when aircraft manufacturers continue to face significant order backlogs, extended delivery schedules and intense competition in the leasing market. Securing the aircraft through multiple lessors and taking delivery within the same year highlights the airline's proactive approach to fleet expansion.
The latest agreements increase Vietnam Airlines' planned Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet to 69 aircraft, comprising 50 purchased aircraft and 19 leased jets. The programme represents one of the largest fleet investment plans in the airline's history and is expected to support network expansion, improve operational efficiency and meet long-term growth in passenger demand.
Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of Vietnam Airlines, said the agreements marked the next stage of the carrier's fleet investment strategy.
Signing the deals at the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world's largest aerospace exhibitions, also strengthens Vietnam Airlines' partnerships with leading aircraft leasing companies while reinforcing the airline's reputation in the global aviation industry.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is a new-generation narrow-body aircraft designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by around 20 per cent compared with earlier models. It also features a modern passenger cabin and larger overhead storage bins, making it well suited to domestic routes as well as short- and medium-haul international services.
