Vietnam Airlines confirmed plans to lease up to 30 narrowbody aircraft on 6 November 2025, following a strategy update from Hanoi headquarters after its 2025 annual general meeting. The carrier intends to issue requests for proposals in the first half of 2026 to secure the jets, aiming to support fleet expansion through 2035 as outlined by CEO Le Hong Ha.
The airline currently operates 93 aircraft, including 63 narrowbodies, and projects a need for 170 new aircraft by 2035 to meet growing demand. Vietnam Aircraft Leasing Joint Stock Company, backed by BIDV and Vietnam Airlines Corporation, will oversee negotiations with Boeing and Airbus, building on past memoranda signed during VALC’s inception.
Specific models under consideration include the Boeing 737 MAX, though the all-Airbus narrowbody fleet may shift with competitive bids from COMAC’s C919 following recent diplomatic talks.
Delivery schedules propose 14 units arriving in 2030 and 18 more between 2031 and 2032, with leasing terms yet to be finalised. The move aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on international suppliers and boost domestic aviation capacity, with projected costs exceeding €3bn based on industry estimates. RFP responses are expected by mid-2026.
Le Hong Ha shared “We plan to issue requests for proposals in the first half of 2025 to purchase 50 narrowbody jets.”
Dang Ngoc Hoa shared “Vietnam Airlines has finalized agreements to acquire 50 narrow-body aircraft, with 14 units set for delivery in 2030 and an additional 18 between 2031 and 2032.”
