Under newly signed trade agreements between the United States and Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand have each committed to significant aircraft purchases from U.S. manufacturer Boeing, while Cambodia announced plans to cooperate with Boeing to develop its domestic aviation sector. According to the White House, the deals were revealed during the U.S. President’s visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit.
Malaysia reportedly ordered 30 aircraft with options for an additional 30 units. While Boeing’s name was not explicitly mentioned in the official statement, the deal was said to involve U.S.-made aerospace products, including high-tech components and aeronautical parts.
The Vietnamese government confirmed that 50 Boeing passenger aircraft will be purchased for the country’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines. The aircraft types have not yet been disclosed, but the deal is valued at over USD 8 billion. Vietnam Airlines had previously been evaluating Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 models for its widebody fleet expansion.
In Thailand, a contract worth USD 18.8 billion was signed for the purchase of 80 aircraft from the United States. Earlier, Thai Airways had revealed plans to acquire 35 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, followed by an official announcement in February 2024 confirming an order for 45 Dreamliners.
Under its agreement, Cambodia will collaborate with Boeing through Air Cambodia to help develop the nation’s aviation infrastructure and ecosystem.
Details regarding delivery schedules and aircraft models have not yet been finalized. However, analysts view these agreements as strategically significant for both Boeing and the United States, enhancing Boeing’s market presence in Asia while also representing a major step in economic diplomacy.
