Boeing Secures Major Orders From Vietnamese Carriers

WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Bernama-dpa) -- Boeing announced two major agreements with Vietnamese carriers on Wednesday, including a record-breaking wide-body commitment from startup Sun PhuQuoc Airways and a finalised narrow-body deal with flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Sun PhuQuoc Airways has placed an order for up to forty 787-9 Dreamliners, the United States (US) aviation giant said.

While financial terms were not disclosed, the deal represents the largest wide-body order in Vietnamese aviation history.

The airline plans to use the long-range jets to link international destinations with its hub at Phu Quoc International Airport, which is currently undergoing a massive expansion set for completion by 2027.

The 787-9, capable of flying around 14,010 kilometres (km), will enable the airline to operate long-haul routes across Asia, Europe and North America, it said.

Separately, Boeing said national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has finalised an agreement for fifty 737-8 MAX aeroplanes. The single-aisle jets will form the core of the airline's domestic and regional expansion.

According to Boeing, Vietnam Airlines currently operates seventeen 787 Dreamliners, serving regional and international routes between Vietnam and Europe.

Together, the 737 MAX and 787 deliver 20-25 per cent fuel-use improvement compared to the aeroplanes they replace.

The 737-8 can carry up to 200 passengers, depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km) for the airline's short and medium-haul network expansion. 

--BERNAMA-dpa