HANOI, May 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- VietJet Aviation
Joint Stock Company and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have finalized an order
for 100 737 MAX 200 airplanes, the largest ever single commercial
airplane purchase in Vietnam
aviation. His Excellency Mr. Trần Đại Quang, President of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and
U.S. President Barack Obama, witnessed the historic agreement,
valued at approximately $11.3 billion
at current list prices.
The signing ceremony, conducted by Vietjet President and CEO
Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President
and CEO Ray Conner, took place at
the Presidential Palace in Hanoi,
at approximately 11:40 a.m. local
time.
"Vietjet is efficiently operating a fleet of narrow body
airplanes. Our investment in a fleet of B737 Max 200 will
accommodate our strategy of growing Vietjet's coming international
route network including long haul flights," said Madam Nguyễn Thị
Phương Thảo during the signing. "Through this agreement, Vietjet
will contribute increasing bilateral trade turnover between
Vietnam and the United States, as well as the integration
and development of the aviation industry in Vietnam."
The airplanes will be delivered from 2019 through 2023,
supporting Vietjet's continuous growth of its domestic as well as
international network in the region. This agreement also helps
Vietjet to increase its fleet to more than 200 airplanes by the end
2023, with the most modern and advanced technology in the
world.
"Boeing is proud to again play an integral role in advancing
Vietnam's aviation industry. We're
honored to be joined by President Quang and President Obama for
this historic milestone and order of 100 737 MAX 200 airplanes,"
said Conner. "Incorporating the latest design and technology
features, the highly efficient 737 MAX 200 will provide Vietjet's
growing network with market-leading economics, a superior passenger
experience and contribute significantly to their future
success."
The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International
LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other
improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and
passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The new single-aisle
airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first
Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class –
8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. To date, the
737 MAX has accumulated 3,098 orders from 65 customers around the
world.
About Vietjet
Vietjet is the first airline in Vietnam to operate as a new-age airline with
low-cost and diversified services to meet customers' demands. It
provides not only transport services but also uses the latest
e-commerce technologies to offer various products and services for
consumers. The airline recently won IOSA Certification from the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) after just over
three years of operations. Vietjet was also declared "Best Asian
Low Cost Carrier" at the TTG Travel Awards 2015, which compiles
votes from travelers, travel agencies and tour operators in
Asia. The airline was also rated
as one of the top three fastest growing airline brands on Facebook
in the world by Socialbakers and the most favorite airline in
Vietnam in 2015. Currently, the
airline operates more than 250 flights each day. It has already
operated 50 routes in Vietnam and
across the region to international destinations such as
Thailand, Singapore, South
Korea, Taiwan, China, Myanmar and Malaysia. It has carried approximately 25
million passengers to date. Looking ahead, the airline plans to
expand its network across the region. To prepare for this plan,
Vietjet has signed agreements with the world's leading
aircraft-manufacturers to purchase more brand-new and modern
aircraft. Like Vietjet on Facebook,
https://www.facebook.com/Vietjetvietnam, follow us on Twitter,
@Vietjetvietnam, and watch our videos at
https://www.youtube.com/user/Vietjetvietnam
About The Boeing Company
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading
manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and
security systems and also provides numerous commercial airline and
military support services. Boeing has been the premier manufacturer
of commercial jetliners for decades, and with its long tradition of
aerospace leadership and innovation, continues to expand its
product line and services to meet emerging customer needs. Boeing
provides products and support services to customers in more than
150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of
sales. With corporate offices in Chicago, Boeing employs approximately 160,000
people across the United States
and in more than 65 countries. Learn more at www.boeing.com.
Contacts:
Joanna Pickup
International Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 425-879-6077
joanna.pickup@boeing.com
Nguyễn Thu Thúy (Ms.)
Vietjet
+84 989386379
thuynguyen@vietjetair.com
Nguyễn Thanh Tùng (Mr)
Vietjet
+84 932629858
tungnguyenthanh@vietjetair.com
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SOURCE Boeing