Vietnam Airlines is set to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) next year to purchase 50 narrowbody jets, according to the airline’s CEO, Le Hong Ha. The move follows a provisional agreement signed last year with Boeing for 50 737 MAX planes, but the deal has yet to be finalized.
Ha noted that in Vietnam, the bidding process requires openness to various options, leaving the door open for multiple manufacturers. While Boeing remains a strong contender with an attractive offer, the airline is keeping its options open and will evaluate other manufacturers as well.
The main competitors for the narrowbody jet order are Boeing and Airbus, with their respective models, the 737 MAX and the A320neo, dominating the global market. However, Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC is also seeking to establish a foothold in the market with its C919 aircraft.
Vietnam Airlines to Open Bidding for 50 Narrowbody Jets, Weighing Options from Boeing, Airbus, and COMAC
Although Vietnam Airlines currently operates only Airbus narrowbody jets, the open bidding process creates the potential for COMAC to make a bid. This signals an interesting shift as China’s influence in the aviation sector grows.
Looking ahead, Vietnam Airlines has a significant long-term need for aircraft, with plans to acquire 170 new planes by 2035. This large-scale procurement is part of the airline’s strategy to meet increasing passenger demand and modernize its fleet.
The decision on which aircraft manufacturer to choose for the 50 narrowbody jets will be an important part of this strategy, as it will influence the carrier’s fleet composition for the coming decades.
The growing relationship between Vietnam and China could also play a role in the bidding process. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently met with a senior COMAC official, who highlighted the strong potential of the Vietnamese market.
As China continues to promote its aircraft abroad, the increasing visibility of the C919 may add an additional layer of competition for Boeing and Airbus as Vietnam Airlines moves forward with its aircraft procurement plans.
