Vietjet signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Boeing yesterday for 100 additional B737 Max aircraft in a move that will see the low-cost carrier become the largest operator of Boeing’s newest family of single-aisle aircraft in Asia.

The new order comprises 80 B737 Max 10s and 20 Max 8s, and builds on Vietjet’s previous order in 2016 for 100 B737 Max 8 aircraft.

The budget carrier aims to use the aircraft to develop its routes across Asia-Pacific as well as high-demand domestic services.

“These new airplanes will fit perfectly into our growth strategy, providing the efficiency and range for Vietjet to expand its route network and offer more international destinations for our customers and expand alliances across Asia Pacific, the fastest growing aviation market in the world,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet’s president and CEO.

Boeing’s 737 Max family is a re-imagining of its older B737 series, currently comprising four aircraft models – the Max 8, Max 9, Max 7 and Max 10.

The Max 8 and Max 9 are already in service, with Indonesian low-cost airline company Lion Air Group being the launch customer for both models. The Max 8 was delivered May last year, while the Max 9 was delivered in March this year.

The Max 7, meanwhile, made its maiden flight back in March and is set to enter service in 2019 with the first delivery going to US carrier Southwest Airlines, while the Max 10 will be the final aircraft in the line to debut.

Boeing appears to have found eager customers in Vietnamese airlines of late. Along with Vietjet’s 737 Max orders, startup airline Bamboo Airways last month firmed an order for 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners as part of its goal to eventually launch into Europe and North America.

Bamboo Airways expects to take delivery of the aircraft starting April 2020.