Vietnam Airlines to Seek Proposals for New Aircraft

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Reuters) – Vietnam Airlines will issue requests for proposals to aircraft manufacturers next year for the purchase of 50 narrowbody jets, according to its CEO, Le Hong Ha, on Wednesday.

Last year, the airline signed a provisional deal with Boeing for 50 737 MAX planes, which remains unfinalized.

“In Vietnam we have to go through the bidding process, we have to open to others… The door is still open for everyone,” said Le Hong Ha during the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines event in Brunei. “Boeing is one option; they have a very good offer for us.”

Airbus and Boeing are the leading manufacturers of single-aisle aircraft, with Airbus' A320neo family competing against the 737 MAX. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturer COMAC is attempting to introduce its C919 model into the market.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines' narrowbody fleet consists entirely of Airbus aircraft, as noted on its website. The airline projects a need for 170 new aircraft by 2035.

The requests for proposals also open the door for COMAC to present its C919, with China actively marketing its planes to Vietnam. Recently, Vietnam's Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, met with a senior COMAC official who indicated strong potential in the Vietnamese market, as reported by Vietnam's state news agency.