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Woranate Laprabang: Vietjet Thailand Orders 9 Boeing 737-8s, Targets 50 Aircraft by 2028

Vietjet Thailand has just pressed the accelerator on a bold growth plan that could reshape short-haul air travel in and out of the Kingdom. The low-cost carrier, led by Chief Executive Woranate Laprabang, confirmed an aggressive fleet upgrade this year with nine new Boeing 737-8 jets on order — a clear signal it intends to transition to an all-Boeing fleet within five years and target 50 aircraft by 2028.

From Airbus to Boeing: A strategic pivot

Mid-year the airline returned four Airbus A320s, leaving 14 of that type in operation, but the plane swap is about more than brand loyalty. The 737-8s offer longer range and operational flexibility, enabling Vietjet to chase higher-demand international sectors. With one Boeing due in October, four more in November and another four in December, the carrier will grow to 23 aircraft by year-end — a meaningful jump for a budget operator focused on rapid route rollout.

Cool-season international push

Vietjet is using its new capacity to press into lucrative East Asian markets during the cool season. October will see the debut of Bangkok–Seoul services, while December brings flights to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka. These launches come at a fortuitous moment: the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has restored Thailand’s safety rating to Category 1, a development that opens the door to more overseas opportunities and bolsters international confidence in Thai carriers.

Leadership on the move

Woranate Laprabang’s fleet vision is already translating into route moves. Pinyot Pibulsonggram, vice-president of commercial and customer service, has been at the frontline of the expansion narrative — and he’s keen to stamp down rumours that Vietjet plans to blow prices up in a fare war. According to Pinyot, demand is strong enough to keep fares stable while the airline focuses on market share through network breadth rather than destructive price cuts.

Rebalancing after softer Chinese demand

Even as Chinese arrivals remain softer than hoped, Vietjet continues scheduled services to top China cities — Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Shanghai — which are still popular among Thai travellers. To offset reduced Chinese inbound tourism, the airline is diversifying its international mix with new South Asian links: Kolkata and Ahmedabad are slated to join the network later this year.

2025 and beyond: ambitious route map

By the end of the year Vietjet expects to serve seven countries with 25 international routes and 12 domestic routes. Looking further ahead to 2026, the airline has its eyes on Hong Kong and Nagoya, and is even exploring longer sectors such as Phuket–Perth. Domestically, Vietjet will add Nakhon Si Thammarat to its timetable, marking its 11th provincial destination as it battles to reclaim Thailand’s second-largest domestic market share, according to the Bangkok Post.

Government support and financials

The airline has also tapped government backing, securing 26,000 seats under a 200,000-flight domestic support programme designed to stimulate internal connectivity. Financially, Vietjet reported 7.5 billion baht in revenue for the first half of the year and remains on track to hit 15 billion baht by year-end — effectively matching last year’s full-year performance despite the shortfall in Chinese visitors.

What this means for travellers and competitors

For passengers, the expansion promises more direct options to South Korea, Japan and South Asia, cheaper connections through increased seat supply and an overall boost in frequency. For competing carriers, Vietjet’s plan is a reminder that capacity and network diversification can be potent tools in a low-cost carrier’s arsenal — especially when backed by a move to aircraft that deliver longer ranges and lower per-seat costs on many sectors.

Final approach

Vietjet Thailand is clearly not content to coast. The airline’s pivot to a Boeing-heavy fleet, timely international launches, and strategic route diversification aim to turn the current headwinds into tailwinds. Whether the gamble pays off will depend on execution, fuel prices, and how quickly demand on new routes matures — but for now, Vietjet is accelerating into a future of bigger skies, bolder routes and more options for travellers across the region.

Photos: Woranate Laprabang (courtesy Smart-Aviation Asia Pacific); Pinyot Pibulsonggram (courtesy Travel Daily Media).

77 Comments

  1. Woranate Laprabang August 29, 2025

    We’re doubling down on network and efficiency — nine 737-8s is just the start toward 50 by 2028. This pivot lets us open longer routes without sacrificing low fares, and it’s timed with Thailand’s improved FAA rating to win confidence abroad.

    • grower134 August 29, 2025

      Sounds ambitious, but isn’t switching fleets midstream expensive? Training crews and changing maintenance chains can’t be cheap.

      • Woranate Laprabang August 29, 2025

        True, the transition has upfront costs, but the per-seat economics and range flexibility of the 737-8s pay back quickly on international sectors we plan to open.

        • Dr. Alan Brooks August 29, 2025

          As someone in airline operations, I agree the 737-8 offers range improvements, but integration risks — spares, pilot conversion, supply-chain delays — are real and often underestimated.

          • Sofia August 29, 2025

            Then why not keep a mixed fleet for flexibility? Completely switching seems like putting all eggs in one manufacturer’s basket.

          • Woranate Laprabang August 29, 2025

            We considered mixed operations, but long-term simplicity, bargaining power on purchases and lower unit costs made the Boeing-heavy plan the better strategic choice.

    • Nina August 29, 2025

      I appreciate the transparency, but will passengers actually see lower fares? More seats can mean lower prices, but only if demand follows.

      • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

        We expect demand to grow with more frequencies and routes; our strategy is to grow market share via network breadth rather than cut-throat price wars.

        • Nina August 29, 2025

          Good to hear a focus on sustainable pricing; price wars wreck smaller players and service quality eventually.

  2. Joe August 29, 2025

    Boeing vs Airbus drama again. I just want cheaper flights to Japan, honestly.

    • Ravi Patel August 29, 2025

      Same here — if they add Osaka and Tokyo on direct routes, sign me up; stop with one-stop nightmares.

      • Mei August 29, 2025

        Direct is great but check flight timings and connections; cheap fares at midnight are not always worth it.

    • Layla Chen August 29, 2025

      Real question: will these new routes be sustainable without subsidy and with volatile fuel prices? Market entrance often looks sexy on paper.

  3. Economist99 August 29, 2025

    Government backing of 26,000 seats smells of state distortion. Is this fair competition or corporate welfare disguised as connectivity?

    • Tom August 29, 2025

      Public funding for internal connectivity isn’t unusual; it stimulates local economies and tourism in under-served regions.

      • Economist99 August 29, 2025

        Yes, but transparency and route selection criteria matter; otherwise it becomes a bailout for favored carriers.

    • grower134 August 29, 2025

      If it helps provinces get flights, I’m okay. My town needs better access to Bangkok.

  4. Anu August 29, 2025

    I’m skeptical about demand diversification away from China. Kolkata and Ahmedabad are niche markets; will Thai tourists fly there in volume?

    • Ravi Patel August 29, 2025

      South Asian diaspora travel and business ties could support those routes, especially if launched with decent frequency.

      • Anu August 29, 2025

        Maybe, but marketing and partnerships will be crucial, not just throwing metal at the sky.

  5. Dr. Mira Shah August 29, 2025

    From an environmental policy perspective, fleet expansion without clear carbon plans is worrying. More flights often mean more emissions unless offsets or efficiency gains are proven.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      We are aware of environmental concerns; newer 737-8s are more fuel-efficient than the older A320s and part of our plan includes exploring sustainable aviation fuel options.

      • Dr. Mira Shah August 29, 2025

        Fuel efficiency helps, but transparency on targets and independent verification are needed, not just marketing statements.

  6. Larry D August 29, 2025

    FAA Category 1 restored — finally. Maybe that’ll bring US partners and codeshares. But does it really change daily life for passengers here?

    • Nina August 29, 2025

      It improves international confidence and could attract more transfer traffic, which benefits route networks and fares.

      • Larry D August 29, 2025

        I hope so, but the proof is in route launches and seat sales, not in regulatory headlines.

  7. grower134 August 29, 2025

    If fares stay stable as they claim, who loses? Probably other low-cost carriers in Thailand. Expect price battles eventually.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      Our goal is to avoid destructive price wars; competition should be about network and service, not just undercutting.

      • Economist99 August 29, 2025

        Easier said than done. Market dynamics often force fares down, especially on popular leisure routes.

  8. Mei August 29, 2025

    Phuket–Perth sounds exciting but is that leisure-only demand or can they sustain year-round flights? Seasonal routes are tricky.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      We’d target peak seasons initially and assess year-round viability later; flexibility is key in our rollout plans.

  9. Sofia August 29, 2025

    Complete fleet homogenization can boost efficiency but reduces bargaining leverage in events like global grounding or supplier issues. Risky move.

    • Dr. Alan Brooks August 29, 2025

      That’s correct. A diverse supplier base can be a hedge. But scale with one type can lower unit costs dramatically — it’s a trade-off.

    • Woranate Laprabang August 29, 2025

      We considered hedging, but the data favored scale benefits for our route mix and growth targets.

  10. grower_gal August 29, 2025

    Airlines always say ‘demand is strong’ right before fares climb. I’m cynical — keep the prices low, please.

    • Layla Chen August 29, 2025

      Customer demand versus yield management is a balancing act. Lower base fares often come with add-ons that increase final price.

  11. Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

    We will prioritize customer experience even as we expand capacity; route reliability and on-time performance are top priorities for us.

    • Tom August 29, 2025

      Words are nice, but operational discipline matters. Rapid growth can strain crews and ops unless investments match expansion.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      Agreed — that’s why we’re phasing deliveries and aligning crew training and maintenance plans with capacity growth.

  12. grower134 August 29, 2025

    Are they buying new or leasing? Lease terms can hide costs and affect long-term balance sheets.

    • Woranate Laprabang August 29, 2025

      A mix of purchase and leasing gives us flexibility, and financial teams are structuring deals to balance cashflow with growth.

  13. Hannah August 29, 2025

    I’m excited about more direct Japan and Korea flights. Less transit stress for families visiting relatives is a real quality-of-life gain.

    • Anu August 29, 2025

      That’s a good point; diaspora and family travel often drive route success more than tourism marketing.

  14. Dr. Elena Ruiz August 29, 2025

    Competitive dynamics: This move may push other ASEAN LCCs to upgauge or consolidate. Could be a regional reshuffle brewing.

    • Economist99 August 29, 2025

      Consolidation could follow if smaller carriers can’t compete on network or capital for larger jets.

    • Dr. Elena Ruiz August 29, 2025

      Exactly, so regulators should watch for anti-competitive outcomes, not just celebrate growth.

  15. Tom August 29, 2025

    Pilot shortage alert: scaling to 50 aircraft means lots of pilots needed. Training pipelines and retention should be spelled out.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      We are investing in training partnerships and retention programs to ensure a steady supply of qualified crew.

    • Tom August 29, 2025

      Partnerships help, but global hiring wars and contract expectations will make retention costly.

  16. grower_gal August 29, 2025

    What about customer service? Sometimes LCC expansion leads to worse service quality. Hope they don’t cut corners.

    • Layla Chen August 29, 2025

      Customer experience often depends on operational stability. Rapid network growth without backend investment can degrade service.

  17. Ravi Patel August 29, 2025

    I like that they target South Asia links. There’s untapped VFR and business travel potential with India and nearby markets.

    • Anu August 29, 2025

      Yes, but visa and bilateral agreements matter. Airline interest is only one piece of the puzzle.

  18. username_77 August 29, 2025

    Environmental activists will hate this, economists will cheer, travelers will benefit — classic story. Where’s the compromise?

    • Dr. Mira Shah August 29, 2025

      Compromise means transparent targets on emissions per ASKM, SAF commitments, and independent reporting; otherwise it’s hollow.

  19. Larry Davis August 29, 2025

    Does anyone trust Boeing less after the MAX crises? I’m biased but reliability perceptions matter to passengers.

    • Sofia August 29, 2025

      Perception does matter, but Boeing has made fixes; regulatory restorations like FAA Cat 1 help rebuild trust if enforced rigorously.

    • Dr. Alan Brooks August 29, 2025

      Operational safety depends on regulators, airlines, and manufacturers; a single-aisle fleet requires top-tier maintenance regimes to avoid systemic risks.

  20. Mei August 29, 2025

    Will Vietjet codeshare with other airlines? Partnerships could make new long-haul connections easier without immediate big-jet buys.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      We’re exploring partnerships and codeshares selectively, aiming to enhance connectivity while protecting our LCC model.

  21. Chris August 29, 2025

    If this forces other carriers to improve service while keeping prices down, passengers win. If it leads to dominance, we lose out.

    • Economist99 August 29, 2025

      Exactly the tension regulators should mind: growth can be pro-consumer until competition weakens.

  22. Asha August 29, 2025

    Smaller airports like Nakhon Si Thammarat getting service is great. Regional connectivity often gets ignored in favor of hubs.

    • Tom August 29, 2025

      True, but viability in the long run depends on population, tourism development, and frequency — one route alone isn’t enough.

  23. Piyu August 29, 2025

    I hope the onboard experience isn’t downgraded. Luggage fees and cramped seats make long-haul budget flights miserable sometimes.

    • Layla Chen August 29, 2025

      That’s a core issue: LCCs need to balance monetization with basic comfort; otherwise they erode repeat business.

  24. young_reader August 29, 2025

    Is this good for people who travel for work? Does more planes mean more job opportunities?

    • Woranate Laprabang August 29, 2025

      Yes, expansion creates jobs across pilots, cabin crew, ground staff and maintenance, and we aim to recruit locally wherever possible.

    • young_reader August 29, 2025

      That’s awesome. More jobs and cheaper flights would be great for my family.

  25. Sanjay August 29, 2025

    They should pair route launches with local tourism campaigns. Seats alone don’t create demand if destinations aren’t marketed properly.

    • Anu August 29, 2025

      Agreed — destination marketing, visa facilitation and flights need to be coordinated for success.

  26. Jules August 29, 2025

    I worry about hidden trade-offs: lower unit costs sometimes translate into worse labor conditions. Anyone heard about staff concerns?

    • Tom August 29, 2025

      Labor tensions can surface when growth outpaces wage adjustments and work conditions; unionization trends could rise.

  27. Ava August 29, 2025

    Overall, I welcome more choices. Competition has made travel accessible for more people, and that social benefit is huge.

    • Chris August 29, 2025

      True, but only if competition remains fair and doesn’t lead to monopoly pricing later on.

  28. end_user August 29, 2025

    If they promise stable fares and deliver more direct routes, I’ll switch to Vietjet. Reputation will be key though.

    • Pinyot Pibulsonggram August 29, 2025

      We welcome passengers to try our expanded network and will work to earn loyalty through reliability and value.

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