Vietnam Airlines Plans to Lease 19 More Boeing 737 MAX 8s from 2028

Vietnam Airlines has announced plans to add 19 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft through leasing arrangements, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028. The agreements were signed with three international lessors at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, giving the airline another source of aircraft for its next phase of network growth.

The package includes 10 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital, four from Avolon and five from Phoenix Aviation Capital, managed by AIP Capital. If all planned deliveries proceed, Vietnam Airlines’ 737 MAX 8 program would total 69 aircraft: 50 firm orders and 19 leased jets.

The leasing strategy is particularly relevant while the global airline industry continues to face production backlogs and long delivery lead times. Securing aircraft from several lessors can give the carrier more flexibility over when new capacity becomes available and reduce reliance on a single delivery stream.

The 737 MAX 8 is a new-generation narrow-body designed for domestic and short- to medium-haul international operations. Manufacturer and airline figures indicate materially better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than older-generation aircraft, which could help reduce unit operating costs on high-frequency routes.

For passengers, the change is a longer-term development because deliveries are not expected to start until 2028. Once the aircraft enter service, Vietnam Airlines should have more room to add frequencies and standardize its narrow-body product. Actual entry-into-service dates will still depend on production, certification and the airline’s final fleet deployment plan.