Vietjet Welcomes First Boeing 737 MAX Following 9-Year Wait

Vietjet, the Vietnamese budget airline, is poised to take delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This milestone arrives over nine years after the airline placed its initial order for this aircraft model.

The handover ceremony is slated for September 21, 2025, at a Boeing facility in Seattle. Reports indicate that Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong may attend this significant event, as highlighted in an early schedule shared by various news outlets.

The prolonged wait for Vietjet’s first 737 MAX primarily stems from the global grounding of the aircraft that followed two tragic crashes in late 2018 and early 2019. These incidents caused substantial delays in deliveries and complicated aircraft financing.

In early 2019, Vietjet adjusted its fleet strategy, initially favoring an all-Airbus configuration before deciding to place orders with Boeing. This strategic pivot aligns with the airline’s growth ambitions.

In August 2025, Vietjet faced additional hurdles when the Trump administration enforced a 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods, complicating financing and operational planning for its fleet.

If the plans proceed as expected, the 737 MAX will mark Vietjet’s first venture into non-Airbus aircraft. A subsequent Boeing aircraft may also be delivered in October 2025, paving the way for broader fleet diversification.

Vietjet’s first Boeing 737 MAX delivery in 2025 is part of a larger initial order of 100 aircraft placed back in 2016 during the visit of former U.S. President Barack Obama to Vietnam. This deal was subsequently expanded at the Farnborough Air Show in 2018, where another Memorandum of Understanding for an additional 100 aircraft was signed.

New Widebody Aircraft

In related news, on September 14, 2025, Vietjet announced the acquisition of a new widebody A330 aircraft, registered as VN-A820. This addition raises the airline’s total fleet count to 121 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy.

The A330 is set to commence operations immediately on routes to Australia, Kazakhstan, India, Japan, and Europe. Looking ahead, the airline has over 400 new aircraft ordered from Airbus and Boeing, with deliveries scheduled through 2030.