Low-cost operator VietJet will transfer the 50 of its new Boeing 737 Max aircraft to its Thai unit, as it confirms it would be taking delivery of its first example in October.
The Vietnamese operator says the move will “significantly expand” VietJet Thailand’s operations, “particularly enhancing connections between Vietnam and Thailand”.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of a state visit by Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Vietnam.
VietJet has orders for 200 737 Max aircraft, comprising a mix of Max 8s, Max 10s and the higher-density Max 8-200.
VietJet Thailand operates Airbus A320s and A321s from its hub at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. It has a network of domestic and international points, to Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Japan, China and India.
In the lead-up to the 737 Max’s service entry with VietJet Thailand, Boeing will provide the carrier with pilot, maintenance and engineer training, as well as product services support.
The announcement is the latest update on the status of VietJet’s Boeing orders, which it placed in 2016 and 2018.
On 9 May, VietJet said it would be transferring some 20 737s to its newly set-up subsidiary VietJet Qazaqstan, which is a tie-up with local operator Qazaq Air.
