May 19, 2025 | Press Release

In a move that underscores Southeast Asia’s growing aviation ambitions, Vietnam’s budget carrier Vietjet has announced the transfer of 50 Boeing 737 aircraft from its current fleet order to its Thai subsidiary, Vietjet Thailand. The development signals a robust regional expansion strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, and neighbouring countries.

The agreement was formalized in Hanoi in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—marking a key highlight of the Thai leader’s maiden official visit to Vietnam.

Deliveries of the aircraft are slated to begin in October 2025 and will bolster Vietjet Thailand’s capacity to expand its domestic and international network, with a special focus on boosting Thailand-Vietnam aviation links. The transfer comes as part of Vietjet’s larger order for 200 Boeing 737 aircraft, signed earlier with the U.S. aerospace giant.

Penny Burtt, President of Boeing Southeast Asia, said the collaboration was poised to support economic growth and connectivity in the region. “Together, we aim to connect communities and drive economic development, paving the way for a prosperous future in Vietnam and the dynamic growth region that is Southeast Asia,” she stated.

Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao echoed the sentiment, highlighting the airline’s focus on sustainable development. “This transfer demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region and reinforces our ‘Three Connects’ strategy—linking supply chains, businesses, and localities between Thailand and Vietnam,” she said.

As part of the agreement, Boeing will provide comprehensive technical support to Vietjet Thailand, including pilot and engineer training, maintenance guidance, and product services, ensuring the fleet operates safely and efficiently.

Founded in 2014 as a joint venture of Vietjet, Vietjet Thailand has become a key player in ASEAN’s aviation landscape. Headquartered at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the carrier currently operates 33 routes connecting Thai cities with regional destinations across Vietnam, India, Japan, China, and Cambodia. To date, it has served more than 30 million passengers.

The airline’s growing footprint comes at a time when intra-ASEAN travel is on the rise, driven by a young population, recovering tourism markets, and deepening trade ties. The additional aircraft will enhance Vietjet Thailand’s ability to cater to these demands, particularly by strengthening links between two of Southeast Asia’s tourism and trade powerhouses—Thailand and Vietnam.

Vietjet, known for its aggressive regional expansion and low-cost model, currently operates 10 routes between India and Vietnam with 78 weekly flights—more than any other carrier. These services connect major Indian metros like Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi with Vietnamese destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Industry observers see the latest aircraft transfer as a step towards deeper ASEAN aviation integration, while also reinforcing trilateral cooperation among Vietnam, Thailand, and the United States.

With a modern fleet, growing passenger base, and strong regional alliances, Vietjet and its Thai arm appear well-positioned to ride the next wave of Southeast Asia’s aviation growth.