In a historic move that reshapes the Southeast Asian aviation landscape, Boeing has secured a massive $30 billion windfall as two major Vietnamese carriers finalized orders for 90 new aircraft. The deal, announced February 18, 2026, during a high-profile diplomatic visit to Washington D.C., sees flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and newcomer Sun PhuQuoc Airways committing to a mix of 737 MAX 8s and 787-9 Dreamliners. This strategic "charm offensive" by Vietnam underscores the nation's rapid international airline growth and deepens US Vietnam aviation trade ties amidst ongoing commercial negotiations.
Vietnam Airlines Pivots with Major 737 MAX 8 Order
The centerpiece of the announcement is Vietnam Airlines' fleet expansion, confirming a firm order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets valued at approximately $8.1 billion. This marks a significant strategic pivot for the SkyTeam member, which has historically relied heavily on Airbus for its narrow-body operations. The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 order is slated for delivery between 2030 and 2032, designed to bolster the carrier's domestic and regional networks.
"This investment marks a significant step in building a modern, fuel-efficient fleet while enhancing operational performance," stated Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines, during the signing ceremony attended by Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope. The carrier aims to utilize the 737 MAX's efficiency to support its goal of achieving 5-star international status by 2030, projecting a fleet size of over 150 aircraft within the decade.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways: A Bold $22.5 Billion Entry
Stealing the spotlight is the ambitious startup Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which finalized a staggering deal for up to 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Valued at $22.5 billion, this represents the largest wide-body order in Vietnam's history. Launched in late 2025 by the hospitality giant Sun Group, the "resort airline" is aggressively positioning itself to connect the island paradise of Phu Quoc directly with major markets in North America and Europe.
The Sun PhuQuoc Airways Boeing 787 deal signals a rapid maturation for the carrier, which currently operates the youngest fleet in Vietnam. "We selected the 787-9 not only for its operational performance but because it is the most suitable aircraft to realize our vision of bringing Phu Quoc to the world," noted Sun Group Chairman Dang Minh Truong. The wide-body jets will enable non-stop transpacific flights, a game-changer for Vietnam's luxury tourism sector.
Diplomacy Drives 2026 Travel Industry News
These blockbuster Boeing jet orders 2026 were orchestrated against the backdrop of General Secretary To Lam's visit to the United States. The deals serve as a potent commercial lever in the ongoing "charm offensive," aiming to balance trade surpluses and foster goodwill during complex tariff negotiations. For Boeing, the agreements solidify its foothold in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, countering recent competitive pressures.
Beyond the headline orders, budget carrier VietJet also strengthened its ties with US partners, signing a $965 million financing agreement for six additional 737-8s. Collectively, these moves paint a bullish picture for 2026 travel industry news, with Vietnam projecting its annual passenger traffic to double to 75 million over the next decade. As Southeast Asia reclaims its status as a global travel hub, American aerospace technology remains central to its ascent.
