VietJet commits to 100 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes

Boeing and VietJet officials signed a memorandum of understanding at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow for an additional 100 737 MAX airplanes. The agreement, which includes 80 737 MAX 10s and 20 737 MAX 8s, is valued at more than $12.7 billion at current list prices.

The deal doubles Vietnamese carrier's 737 MAX fleet. In 2016, VietJet finalized an order for 100 high-capacity 737 MAX 8 airplanes, which set the mark for the largest-ever single commercial airplane purchase in Vietnam aviation.

The Vietnamese low-cost carrier will become the largest MAX 10 customer in Asia once the deal is completed. VietJet plans to leverage the added capacity of the MAX 10 to satisfy surging demand on high-dense domestic routes, as well as on popular destinations throughout Asia.

As part of the agreement, Boeing would partner with VietJet to enhance technical and engineering expertise and the training of pilots and technicians in Vietnam, helping to further develop the commercial aviation ecosystem in the growing country. Boeing will also support VietJet in improving management capabilities at the airline and in the country.

VietJet is Vietnam's first privately-owned airline and is also the first low-cost carrier in the country. The airline is bolstering its fleet with airplanes that will allow for expansion of its regional network.

The deal will be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

Earlier at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018, Boeing and four other customers signed commitments for 93 737 MAX airplanes, including a carrier that has committed to 40 of the high-capacity version of the MAX 8 airplane. The commitments are valued at nearly $11 billion at current list prices.

The 737 MAX family achieves fuel efficiency and range through CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other improvements.

The largest variant in the family, the 737 MAX 10, is 43.8m (143ft 8") long and can seat a maximum of 230 passengers. The 737 MAX has accumulated nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.