Vietnam's Vietjet to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Vietjet Thailand

The move is expected to help Vietjet Thailand, also known as Thai Vietjet, expand its fleet and become a dynamic and competitive airline.

The first deliveries are projected to begin in October 2025. 

This fleet expansion will significantly enhance Thai Vietjet’s operational capabilities, especially on routes connecting Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, chairwoman of Vietjet, said that the transfer of 50 modern and efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand demonstrates the carrier’s long-term commitment to sustainable aviation development in the region.

“We are determined to implement the ‘Three Connectivity’ strategy between the two countries – encompassing supply chains, businesses, and localities.”

Vietjet Thailand, established in 2014, is a new-age joint venture airline of Vietjet in Thailand. 

It has steadily strengthened its presence in Thailand’s aviation market over the past decade.

The airline is headquartered at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and currently operates 33 domestic and international routes, linking Thailand’s economic and tourism hubs with destinations in Vietnam, Japan, China, India, Cambodia, and other destinations across the region.

According to data from Planespotters, as of May 2025, Thai Vietjet operates a fleet of 18 aircraft, including 12 Airbus A320s and six Airbus A321s.

With the planned addition of 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Thai Vietjet is set to enter its fastest growth phase to date.

The expanded fleet will not only enhance its competitiveness but also allow the airline to reduce operational costs, increase flight range, and boost frequency on key international routes.

Thai Vietjet currently holds around 14.2 percent of the domestic market share in Thailand, ranking third after Thai AirAsia (36.9 percent) and Nok Air (14.6 percent).

It has surpassed more established carriers such as Bangkok Airways and Thai Lion Air, highlighting the growing appeal of its low-cost, high-efficiency model supported by Vietjet’s extensive experience and network.

Thai Vietjet is jointly owned by Thai Vietjet Aviation Co. Ltd. (52 percent), International Investment Co. Ltd. (39 percent), and Vietjet Vietnam (nine percent).

Beyond Thailand, Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, is also accelerating its international expansion. 

Early this month, the airline and Kazakhstan’s state-owned Qazaq Air officially announced a strategic partnership to launch a new airline brand, Vietjet Qazaqstan in Kazakhstan.

Vietjet will acquire a strategic equity stake in Qazaq Air and jointly develop and operate the new airline, which plans to operate at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft.