Vietnam Airlines has received official shareholder approval to increase its charter capital by $347.1 million, forming a central component of its strategic long-term plan. The capital infusion will support the acquisition of 50 new aircraft, significantly strengthening the airline’s competitive position in both domestic and international markets.
Copa Holdings, the parent company of Copa Airlines based in Panama, has announced the exercise of purchase optionsfor six additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The newly added aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2028, increasing the group’s firm order book to a total of 57 aircraft.
Boeing has confirmed that a total of 11 B777 freighters were ordered during March 2025, highlighting continued demand for long-haul cargo capacity. Of the total, eight aircraft were ordered by FedEx Express (US), while the remaining three were attributed to an undisclosed customer.
EVA Air, the Taiwanese full-service carrier, has finalized a firm order with Airbus for six A350-1000s and three A321neo aircraft, formalizing its March 2025 commitment to the European manufacturer. This latest transaction significantly strengthens EVA Air’s widebody and narrowbody expansion pipeline, positioning the airline for long-term fleet modernization and capacity growth.
VietJet, Vietnam’s low-cost carrier, is preparing to sign a US$200 million aircraft financing agreement with AV Air Finance (US) next week, signaling continued momentum in its ambitious fleet expansion plans. The deal is expected to support upcoming deliveries and fortify VietJet’s financial position as it accelerates growth across its regional and long-haul networks.
Rise Air, a Canadian regional carrier, may expand its fleet beyond its current plans, as Chief Executive Derek Nice has indicated a willingness to order additional ATR72-600 aircraft. This would build on the three aircraft already on order, which are set to begin delivering between late 2025 and early 2026.
China Airlines, Taiwan’s leading airline, has confirmed a significant expansion to its fleet by finalizing a firm order with Airbus for ten A350-1000 aircraft. This order follows a commitment initially announced by the airline in December 2024, underscoring its strategic plans to enhance long-haul operations.
United Airlines has announced plans to retire 21 aircraft earlier than scheduled in early 2025 as part of a broader cost-saving strategy. This decision follows internal projections of lower-than-anticipated Q1 profitability, prompting the airline to optimize its operations and preserve cash. While specific aircraft types have not been disclosed, the move is expected to be cash-positive in the current fiscal year.
Korean Air is nearing the finalization of a major $32.7 billion agreement that will significantly expand and modernize its long-haul fleet. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) includes the acquisition of 20 Boeing B777-9 and 20 Boeing B787-10 aircraft, with options for 10 additional aircraft and up to ten spare engines.
Qatar Airways has announced plans to place one final large aircraft order, marking the end of its rapid expansion phase as it seeks to grow annual passenger numbers from 50 million to 80 million over the next five to six years. The airline’s decision reflects a strategic shift towards fleet optimization and sustained capacity growth, rather than aggressive expansion.
