Vietjet receives first Boeing 737-8, marking milestone in Vietnam-US partnership
Vietjet expands global presence with first Boeing 737-8 delivery, strengthening Vietnam-US ties and enhancing affordable air travel experience.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam's budget carrier Vietjet on September 21 in Seattle (local time) received its first Boeing 737-8 aircraft from a historic order of 200 jets worth US$32 billion.
President Luong Cuong witnessed the handover signing ceremony of the first Boeing 737-8 aircraft between Boeing and Vietjet Air. Photo: Vietnam News Agency
The ceremony was attended by President Luong Cuong and Vietnam’s high-ranking delegation as they were in the US from September 21 to September 24 to take part in the 80th United Nations General Assembly high-level debate and conducting bilateral activities.
The handover was part of events marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US normalization. It was a key milestone in Vietjet’s fleet expansion strategy and in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
The new aircraft will serve regional and international routes, improving passenger experience and supporting Vietjet’s ambition for global expansion.
Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said the delivery is “an important step in nearly a decade of cooperation with Boeing and a new symbol of Vietnam-US relations.”
“It will also boost bilateral trade and cultural exchange between Vietnam and the US, bringing benefits to both economies and their people,” she added.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said this milestone begins a series of upcoming deliveries, strengthening the partnership while supporting bilateral trade and Vietjet’s sustainable growth.
Vietnam and the US normalized relations in July 1995. The two countries upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development in September 2023.
Bilateral trade between Vietnam and the US has grown 200-fold since 1995, reaching US$132 billion in 2024. Vietnam is now the eighth-largest trade partner of the US.
Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading low-cost airline, has gained international recognition with awards such as “Trusted Airline” at the Korea Consumer Awards 2025 and “Excellence in Aviation Service and Customer Experience” in India.
