Boeing expects to finalize a contract with Vietnam Airlines in the first quarter of 2005 for four 7E7 planes, which are worth around USD$500 million at list price.
Vietnam Airlines' President and CEO Nguyen Xuan Hien said earlier this month he wanted his unlisted carrier to be among the first customers for the 7E7 Dreamliner jets to secure preferential treatment.
Boeing said Vietnam Air was the eighth customer committed for its mid-sized, twin-aisle jet which will be capable of travelling just under the speed of sound and use 20 percent less fuel than other similar sized planes for comparable flights.
Vietnam Airlines has yet to select engines.
State media this week said the Vietnamese government has approved the carrier depositing USD$560,000 for the contract.
Airline officials declined comment.
Vietnam Airlines has said its 2004 revenues jumped 48 percent to 17.39 trillion dong (USD$1.1 billion), helped by a rise in tourist arrivals and cargo transport. It has targeted 2005 revenues of 19 trillion dong (USD$1.21 billion), up 9.3 percent.
The airline said it would expand its fleet to 49 aircraft by end-2005 and to 75 planes by 2010. It plans to launch a direct flight to the United States late next year or in early 2006.
This month it signed a contract to buy 10 Airbus A321 narrow-body jets, with the first delivery in 2006.
