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Boeing affirms interest in Viet Nam
Boeing has confirmed its commitment to a strategic relationship with Viet Nam, saying it believes in the country’s bright future and its long-term economic growth despite the momentary downturn.
Stanley A Deal, Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, leader of the regional Boeing delegation, made the statement at a press event in Ha Noi yesterday.
During their working visit to Viet Nam, the delegation will meet leaders from Vietnam Airlines and Viet Nam Aircraft Leasing Joint stock Co (VALC) in an effort to strengthen the long-term relationships with these partners and seek trade opportunities.
Boeing would support Vietnam Airlines to satisfy requirements and standards set by the US and the EU to begin offering a direct flight to the US upon approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam and the US Government, said Deal.
Vietnam Airlines reserved eight Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircrafts, but the exact delivery date was not disclosed due to the on-going negotiations.
Fifty-seven clients from around the world, including All Nippon Airways, Air New Zealand, Thomson Airways, Japan Airlines and Continental Airlines have ordered a total of 878 Boeing 787s for future delivery.
The first Boeing 787 flight, a newly designed and efficient aircraft that uses 20 per cent less fuel than other airplanes of the same size, is expected in the second quarter this year. The first delivery is slated for the first quarter next year.
"In regards to the economic situation, you can imagine the downturn across the region and throughout the world. We have seen certain stress as well as difficulties of the aviation industry generally," said Deal.
However, from Boeing’s perspective, business remained stable, proven by 3,700 aircraft orders of various aircraft models for future delivery, he added.
With support from Boeing, the Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co built a factory worth US$7 million to assemble flaps for the Boeing 737 aircraft last year. The factory is expected to begin operations in June.
"Partnership between Boeing and Japan took 50 years; I think the partnership with Viet Nam will take shorter time. I don’t see any constraints in the country’s environment or workforce, and the process from assembly to production could evolve over time in Vie65t Nam," he said.
Boeing has conducted a series of social, health care and education and training activities in the country.
VietNamNet, viet nam news
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