VietJetAir (VJ, Hanoi Noi Bai International) will transfer 50 aircraft from an existing Boeing order to Thai VietJetAir (VZ, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi).
Styled as a "strategic initiative to strengthen aviation and tourism connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, as well as other countries in the region," the agreement was announced on May 16. It was one of a series of Viet Nam-Thailand business deals signed during a visit by the Thai prime minister.
Boeing data indicates that VietJetAir has 200 B737 MAX on order with the OEM. The first deliveries are expected in October. VietJetAir presently operates 98 aircraft, including seventeen A320-200s, thirty-six A321-200s, eleven A321-200Ns, twenty-five A321-200NX, seven A330-300s and two wet-leased C909s. Its substantially smaller "new-age joint venture airline", Thai VietJetAir, operates 18 aircraft - twelve A320-200s and six A321-200s.
“The transfer of 50 modern and efficient B737-8 aircraft to VietJet Thailand demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation development in the region," said VietJetAir Chairperson Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.
As part of the deal, Boeing will provide Thai VietJetAir with a comprehensive support package, including pilot, maintenance and engineer training, and product services to assist in the induction of the new aircraft.
VietJetAir holds just an 8.3% stake in Thai VietJetAir. Thai investors control a 57% stake in the Thai LCC, while the remaining 34.7% is owned by Irish nationals. The identity of the shareholders is not disclosed in the Thai business register.
