Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet is set to take delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX, more than nine years after placing its initial order. The handover ceremony is expected on Sunday at Boeing’s Seattle factory, with Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong in attendance before his scheduled address at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
VietJet originally signed a deal in 2016 for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, later doubling the commitment in 2018. However, deliveries were delayed due to the 737 MAX crashes and the pandemic. Until now, the airline’s fleet has consisted mainly of Airbus aircraft, with two COMAC regional jets recently leased. If plans proceed, a second Boeing plane could be delivered in October.
The aircraft deal aligns with Vietnam’s broader trade strategy. U.S. and Vietnamese officials have described Boeing purchases as part of efforts to narrow Vietnam’s trade surplus with Washington and ease U.S. tariffs. In January, VietJet announced nearly $50 billion in agreements with major American companies, though details were not disclosed.
Last month, the U.S. imposed a 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods, significantly lower than the 46% initially threatened. Still, Vietnamese leaders were reportedly disappointed with the outcome. President Cuong is expected to attend a reception hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump during the U.N. Assembly, underscoring the diplomatic weight behind the airline’s Boeing deal.
Vietnam Airlines has also shown interest in Boeing jets, though Airbus continues to dominate the country’s aviation sector, supplying about 86% of its aircraft. VietJet’s long-awaited delivery marks a symbolic milestone for Vietnam’s aviation industry and trade relations with the United States.