# Vietnam airlines expand fleets with MAX and A321

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-airlines-boeing-737-max-expansion
> Updated: 2026-08-18T05:20:40.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

In late June 2026, Vietnam Airlines secured a preliminary US Export-Import Bank financing guarantee of approximately $2.9 billion for a future purchase of 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets slated for delivery between 2030 and 2032. This arrangement marks the first time a Vietnamese carrier has received EXIM export-credit support for aircraft, intended to provide access to competitive international capital. A month later, the carrier announced the lease of 19 additional MAX 8 aircraft to expand its domestic network amid rising fuel-price pressures.

On 21 July 2026, VietJet Group received the first of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft under a long-term lease with Griffin Global Asset Management. This delivery coincides with a strong summer performance reported by the civil aviation authority, noting passenger traffic up 9.8% year-on-year and cargo volumes rising 16.4%. 

By late July, VietJet Thailand introduced its first MAX model and an Airbus A321-211 at Da Nang airport. Simultaneously, Sun PhuQuoc Airways added an Airbus A321neo to its fleet, with plans for a wide-body Airbus A330 later in the year. 

Expanding on its growth, Vietjet is significantly increasing its regional network. International expansions include new services connecting Vietnam with Cebu and Clark in the Philippines, Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Osaka in Japan. Specific launch dates include October 25, 2026, for Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai, November 10, 2026, for Philippine routes, and December 20, 2026, for Da Nang to Osaka. VietJet Thailand will also launch a daily Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok service on October 9, 2026. Domestically, Vietjet has resumed five routes connecting Da Lat with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Da Nang following repairs to Lien Khuong Airport.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Vietjet expands flight network across Asia and resumes domestic routes

Vietjet is expanding its aviation network with new international routes to the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan, alongside a new Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok service and resumed domestic flights to Da Lat.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietjet-expands-international-routes-to-philippines-thailand-and-japan

### 2026-07-22: Vietnamese low‑cost carriers add new aircraft to fleets

Vietnam’s low‑cost airlines Vietjet Thailand and Sun PhuQuoc Airways added a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a pink‑liveried Airbus A321‑211, and an Airbus A321neo to their fleets, highlighting fleet expansion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnamese-lowcost-carriers-add-new-aircraft-to-fleets

### 2026-07-21: VietJet receives first Boeing 737 MAX 8 as Vietnam aviation expands despite fuel price hikes

VietJet added its first leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 as Vietnam’s aviation market grew 10% this summer, while rising global oil prices pressure fuel costs.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-airlines-leases-19-boeing-737-max-8-jets-as-domestic-fuel-prices-set-to-rise

### 2026-06-23: Vietnam Airlines secures $2.9 bn US EXIM financing guarantee for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets

Vietnam Airlines secured a US EXIM Bank preliminary guarantee of over $2.9 bn to fund 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, supporting its growth plan and offering new financing options.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-airlines-secures-29-bn-us-exim-financing-guarantee-for-50-boeing-737-max-8-jets

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Cite as: Vietnam airlines expand fleets with MAX and A321. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-airlines-boeing-737-max-expansion