Boeing and Vietnam Airlines have announced the airline has selected the 737 MAX family to expand its single-aisle fleet, with a commitment to order 50 737-8s.

The commitment was announced during a signing ceremony with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House officials and Vietnamese government leaders on Monday, Sept. 11.

U.S. and Vietnamese officials said the commitment will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing's long history of collaboration with Vietnam's civil aviation industry, the carrier's 737 MAX fleet will support the country's goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.

"In line with Vietnam Airlines' 2025-2030 fleet strategy and a vision to 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial project that underpins positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the airline, said Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the airline. "The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to foster our overall development and extend our high-quality service on Vietnam Airlines' domestic and Asian routes, as well as modernize our fuel-efficient fleet."

"Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect airplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet that regional demand," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s."

Since the launch, more than 100 customers around the world have placed firm orders for more than 5,600 737 MAX airplanes.

The carrier currently operates a fleet of 15 787 Dreamliner jets and serves over 50 destinations in 17 countries.

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