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Etihad Airways posted a near 50 per cent rise in net profit to $698 million for 2025, as expanded capacity and firm travel demand across key markets pushed passenger numbers higher and lifted seat occupancy. The Abu Dhabi carrier said its performance reflected stronger yields, disciplined cost management and a broader network, with chief executive Antonoaldo Neves pointing to sustained investment in product upgrades and customer satisfaction. […]
GUANGDONG, CHINA & BAGSVÆRD, DENMARK – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Nordisk) today announced topline results from a Chinese phase 2 trial of UBT251, a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon (triple G).
UBT251 is being jointly developed by TUL’s wholly-owned subsidiary The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. (United Biotechnology) and Novo Nordisk under an agreement signed in March 2025. United Biotechnology is responsible for development in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk is responsible for development in the rest of the world.
The trial, conducted by United Biotechnology, investigated the safety and efficacy of once-weekly injectable 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg doses of UBT251 compared to placebo in Chinese people with overweight or obesity. From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2 kg, the highest mean weight loss observed for people treated with UBT251 was 19.7% (-17.5 kg) compared to 2.0% (-1.6kg) in the placebo group after 24 weeks of treatment[i].
Moreover, all dose groups of UBT251 showed statistically significant improvements relative to placebo on key secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure and lipids.
In the trial, UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, and the vast majority were mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent with incretin-based therapies.
“The success of the phase 2 clinical trial of UBT251 in China represents another significant milestone in TUL’s innovation-driven development,” said Mr Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL. “We will continue to focus on chronic diseases, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, accelerate the further development of UBT251, and strive to bring more high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide at the earliest opportunity.”
“We are very encouraged by these data from the trial in China, which demonstrate the potential of UBT251 and its differentiated clinical profile and safety and tolerability profile,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk. “We look forward to reporting data from a global trial with UBT251 conducted by Novo Nordisk next year.”
Novo Nordisk recently initiated a global phase 1b/2a trial investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different doses of UBT251 for up to 28 weeks in around 330 people living with overweight or obesity. Topline data from that trial is expected in 2027. Novo Nordisk also expects to initiate a phase 2 trial with UBT251 in people with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026.
United Biotechnology will present detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 trial at a medical congress later this year. Based on the results of this trial, the company is planning to initiate a phase 3 trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity.
About the Chinese phase 2 trial
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled a total of 205 Chinese patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m²) or overweight (24.0 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 28.0 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The baseline mean body weight of the patients was 92.2 kg, with a baseline mean BMI of 33.1 kg/m².
Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251 in doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, or placebo for 24 weeks.
The primary endpoint of the trial was the percentage change in body weight from baseline after 24 weeks of treatment.
About UBT251
UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and glucagon.
In March 2025, United Biotechnology entered an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S for UBT251. Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtained exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) to develop, manufacture and commercialise UBT251. United Biotechnology retained the rights for UBT251 in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Hashtag: #UBT251
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Founded in 1990, TUL (HKEX: 3933) is mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of pharmaceuticals, and ranks among the leading integrated pharmaceutical companies in China. TUL currently boasts seven production bases, covering intermediate products, bulk medicine, finished products, veterinary drugs, empty capsule casings, and medical devices, with the sales networks dotted across nearly 80 countries and regions. United Biotechnology, located in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, serves as the biopharmaceutical R&D headquarter of TUL. United Biotechnology focuses on the development of high-end biopharmaceuticals to treat major chronic diseases. For more information, please visit 
www.tul.com.cn.
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 68,800 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, 
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Krafton has appointed a new chief artificial intelligence officer as the South Korean games publisher accelerates efforts to embed advanced AI systems across its development studios and flagship franchises, including PUBG. The company confirmed that it has brought in a senior AI specialist with experience spanning large language models, machine learning infrastructure and applied gaming technologies to lead what it described as the next phase of its […]
Producer prices in the Republic of Korea rose for a fifth straight month in January, driven by firmer semiconductor prices and higher agricultural costs, according to central bank data that point to lingering pipeline inflation pressures in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Figures released by the Bank of Korea showed the producer price index increased on both a monthly and annual basis, extending a run of gains that began in early autumn. Officials attributed the latest rise largely to a rebound in memory chip prices and elevated food-related costs, reflecting supply constraints and weather-related disruptions.
Semiconductors, a cornerstone of the country’s export-led economy, played a decisive role. Prices for key memory products, including DRAM and NAND flash, strengthened as global demand for data centres and artificial intelligence applications continued to absorb inventories. After a prolonged downturn that weighed on manufacturing output through 2023, chipmakers have benefited from tighter supply and renewed investment in high-performance computing, pushing upstream prices higher.
Industry analysts say the upturn in chip prices has filtered through supply chains, lifting overall producer prices even as energy costs have remained comparatively stable. Manufacturing accounts for a substantial share of Korea’s producer basket, meaning swings in technology components can exert an outsized influence on headline figures.
Agricultural products also recorded notable gains. Unfavourable weather conditions and higher input costs contributed to increases in fruit, vegetable and livestock prices. Food-related producer costs are closely watched because they can pass through to consumer prices with a lag, particularly in a country where household spending on fresh produce forms a visible part of the inflation basket.
The latest data suggest cost pressures remain uneven across sectors. While energy prices have moderated from peaks seen after geopolitical disruptions in global oil and gas markets, certain industrial materials and processed foods have shown persistent firmness. Service-sector producer prices, including transport and logistics, have also edged higher, reflecting wage adjustments and operating expenses.
Economists note that sustained increases in producer prices can eventually feed into consumer inflation, although the transmission is neither automatic nor immediate. Consumer price growth has eased from multi-year highs reached in 2022, but remains sensitive to food and housing costs. The central bank has kept its benchmark interest rate at a restrictive level since early 2023 in a bid to anchor inflation expectations and support financial stability.
Policy deliberations in Seoul have balanced the need to contain price pressures against concerns over slowing domestic demand and household debt. Export performance has improved alongside the semiconductor recovery, yet construction activity and private consumption have shown mixed signals. A continued rise in producer prices may complicate the timing of any monetary easing, particularly if global commodity prices remain volatile.
The global context adds another layer of uncertainty. Demand for advanced chips linked to artificial intelligence has bolstered Korea’s trade outlook, but cyclical risks persist in other manufacturing segments, including petrochemicals and steel. At the same time, agricultural markets remain exposed to climate variability, which can amplify price swings and affect food security.
Market participants are closely monitoring whether the current producer price trend represents a stabilisation after last year’s weakness or the beginning of a more entrenched cost cycle. Some analysts argue that the semiconductor rebound is structural, underpinned by sustained capital expenditure in cloud infrastructure and next-generation devices. Others caution that technology demand can be volatile, and that inventory adjustments may re-emerge later in the year.
For policymakers, the composition of producer price growth is as important as the headline number. Increases concentrated in export-oriented sectors may bolster corporate earnings and investment, whereas broad-based gains across consumer-linked industries could signal renewed inflationary momentum. The central bank has indicated it will continue to assess data on prices, wages and growth before making any shift in its policy stance.
Businesses, meanwhile, face decisions on whether to absorb higher input costs or pass them on to customers. Large technology firms may have greater pricing power in global markets, but small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in food processing and retail supply chains, operate on thinner margins.
By Nantoo Banerjee The global AI impact summit 2026 in Delhi, last week, couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time when the world continues to be somewhat skeptical about adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its limitations and potential consequences. Thanks to the pioneering effort by firms such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and […]
The article India Should Adopt ‘Trustworthy’ AI Tools To Stay Safe And Transparent appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
The partnership is designed to provide greater confidence throughout the EV ownership journey—ensuring that premium electric vehicles are supported by reliable charging solutions, responsive roadside assistance, and integrated digital services. By combining VinFast’s expanding EV presence in the UAE with PlusX Electric’s on-demand charging capabilities and infrastructure expertise, the two parties will work together to deliver a seamless, convenience-led, and assurance-driven experience for VinFast drivers.
Under the MoU, VinFast and PlusX Electric will collaborate across a structured set of initiatives focused on charging availability, ownership support, and infrastructure enablement across key use cases, including home, workplace, fleet, and on-road assistance.
Specifically, the two parties aim to deploy Portable EV Charging Pods to meet customers’ flexible charging needs during vehicle usage, while enabling access to On-Demand Mobile Charging services designed to assist in time-sensitive situations. The partnership will also explore EV Roadside Assistance (RSA) – Emergency Charging services, helping reduce range anxiety and vehicle downtime while strengthening customer assurance through clearly defined service workflows and operational readiness.
In addition, PlusX Electric may become a preferred partner for the supply, installation, and aftersales support of Home & Office Chargers for VinFast customers in the UAE, in alignment with applicable UAE compliance requirements. For commercial and fleet segments, the two parties will explore scalable solutions such as DC Fast Charger Leasing and dedicated mobile charging support, ensuring operational continuity and efficiency for B2B and fleet customers.
As part of the collaboration, VinFast and PlusX Electric will further explore digital integration initiatives to streamline how customers access charging services, manage bookings, and receive service updates through partner platforms. The two parties will also assess potential integration of EV insurance offerings via the PlusX App and explore co-branding opportunities, including VinFast branding on PlusX Power Pods, with the objective of delivering a cohesive and fully integrated EV ecosystem experience.
Ms. Do Hoai Linh, CEO of VinFast Middle East, shared: “VinFast is committed to building a long-term and comprehensive EV ecosystem in the UAE—one that gives customers confidence not only in the quality and performance of our electric vehicles, but also in the reliability and accessibility of the supporting infrastructure. Through this MoU with PlusX Electric, we are strengthening the support layer around EV adoption by expanding access to flexible charging solutions, emergency assistance services, and integrated digital touchpoints. By working with a DEWA-approved partner that understands local regulatory requirements and operational realities, we aim to make EV ownership simpler, more dependable, and better aligned with the expectations of customers in the Middle East.”
Chintan Sareen – Founder and CEO of PlusX Electric added: “EV adoption accelerates when customers trust that charging and support are always within reach. Our collaboration with VinFast reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the EV ownership ecosystem in the UAE through dependable infrastructure, responsive roadside services, and customer-centric digital solutions. As a DEWA-approved provider, PlusX Electric brings localized expertise in charger supply and installation, mobile charging operations, and fleet enablement. Together with VinFast, we look forward to delivering practical, scalable solutions that enhance service reliability, reduce range anxiety, and support the continued growth of sustainable mobility in the region.”
Across the Middle East, VinFast continues to expand its presence through strategic partnerships, strengthened aftersales capabilities, and the development of EV-supporting infrastructure. The collaboration with PlusX Electric underscores VinFast’s long-term commitment to supporting customers throughout their ownership journey and contributing to the UAE’s transition toward sustainable and future-ready mobility solutions.
Hashtag: #Vinfast
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VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC — one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates — is a pure electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with a mission to make EVs more accessible to all. Its current product lineup includes a range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, e-bikes, and electric buses.
VinFast is entering its next phase of global growth by rapidly expanding its distribution and dealership network, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and focusing on key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Learn more about VinFast: https://me.vinfast.com/en
PlusX Electric is a DEWA-approved EV charging and electric mobility solutions company in the UAE, offering end-to-end charging services including charger supply and installation, mobile charging solutions, EV roadside assistance, and fleet charging partnerships. PlusX Electric is committed to making EV charging more accessible, reliable, and convenient for both individual and commercial customers across the UAE.
Kyndryl has unveiled a Cyber Defense Operations Center in Bengaluru, bringing its network and security operations under a single command structure as enterprises confront an escalation in AI-enabled cyber attacks. The new facility, described by the company as a Cyber Defense Operations Center, is designed to integrate traditional network monitoring with advanced threat detection, incident response and resilience planning. Executives said the unified model is intended to […]
Renault is set to take full control of Flexis, the electric van joint venture it formed with Volvo Group and CMA CGM, marking a decisive shift in the French carmaker’s strategy to consolidate its position in the fast-growing light commercial vehicle segment. The company confirmed it will buy out the stakes held by truckmaker Volvo and shipping group CMA CGM in the venture, which was launched to […]
Global technology groups including Microsoft, Amazon and Google have pledged billions of dollars to expand cloud and AI infrastructure across the country, betting on strong digital adoption, a vast developer base and policy support from New Delhi. At the same time, domestic conglomerates such as Reliance Industries and the Adani Group have unveiled plans to scale up capacity, signalling an arms race to capture the next phase of AI growth.
The surge is centred on established data centre hubs such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and the National Capital Region. Industry estimates place India’s operational data centre capacity at more than 900 megawatts, with projections that this could double within a few years as hyperscale facilities come online. Much of the new supply is being designed for AI workloads, which require more powerful processors and higher rack densities than traditional cloud computing.
Microsoft has committed to expanding its Azure footprint in multiple regions, while Amazon Web Services continues to invest in its Mumbai and Hyderabad zones. Google Cloud has also deepened its presence, citing demand from financial services, healthcare and government clients. Nvidia, whose graphics processing units underpin many AI systems, has strengthened partnerships with Indian firms to support sovereign AI initiatives and localised computing.
Officials argue that this wave of investment will support economic growth, digital inclusion and advanced research. India’s data protection framework and semiconductor incentives have been positioned as part of a broader strategy to create a resilient digital ecosystem. The government has also outlined ambitions to develop domestic AI models trained on local languages and datasets, increasing the need for high-performance computing infrastructure within national borders.
Yet environmental experts warn that the geography of expansion raises difficult trade-offs. Mumbai and Chennai, two of the country’s largest data centre clusters, face periodic water shortages and are vulnerable to climate-related risks, including extreme heat and flooding. Hyderabad, another key hub, has experienced mounting pressure on groundwater resources amid rapid urbanisation.
AI data centres are particularly resource-intensive. Training large language models can consume vast amounts of electricity, and the cooling systems required to maintain optimal temperatures often rely on significant volumes of water. While operators increasingly use advanced cooling technologies and pursue renewable energy procurement, critics question whether efficiency gains can keep pace with the scale of expansion.
According to industry analysts, AI-optimised facilities can draw substantially more power per rack than conventional data centres. India’s peak power demand has been rising steadily, touching record highs during heatwaves. Coal continues to account for a large share of electricity generation, although solar and wind capacity have expanded rapidly. The tension between decarbonisation goals and surging digital energy needs is becoming more pronounced.
Water usage is another flashpoint. Traditional evaporative cooling systems can require millions of litres annually for large facilities, though some operators are shifting to air-cooled or liquid immersion systems to reduce dependence on freshwater. Companies state that they are investing in water recycling, rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, particularly in regions classified as water-stressed.
Environmental groups argue that even with mitigation measures, cumulative impacts could strain local communities. Urban residents in Chennai and parts of Maharashtra have already experienced water rationing during drought periods. The prospect of energy-hungry AI campuses expanding in these same areas has prompted calls for stricter environmental assessments and greater transparency around resource use.
Corporate leaders counter that hyperscale operators often have stronger sustainability commitments than smaller, on-premise data centres. Many global firms have pledged to run on 100 per cent renewable energy and to become water positive within the decade. In India, power purchase agreements for solar and wind farms are increasingly tied to data centre projects, supporting the build-out of clean energy capacity.
Policy makers face a delicate balancing act. Digital infrastructure is viewed as critical to competitiveness, especially as countries race to develop generative AI capabilities. India’s large pool of engineers and its expanding start-up ecosystem make it an attractive base for AI research and deployment. Delaying capacity expansion could risk ceding ground to regional rivals in Southeast Asia or the Middle East, where governments are also courting hyperscale investment.
At the same time, climate resilience is rising on the national agenda. The country has set ambitious renewable energy targets and emphasised sustainable development in international forums. Integrating AI growth with environmental safeguards will test regulatory frameworks at both central and state levels.
Blockchain ventures built around sport are moving beyond fan tokens towards real-time, onchain markets tied directly to match-day outcomes, marking a new phase for what has become known as SportFi. Developers and investors say the model aims to deepen fan engagement by allowing supporters to trade digital assets linked to specific games, player performances and season milestones, while settling transactions transparently on public blockchains. Proponents argue that […]
Dubai has moved into the next stage of its real estate tokenisation drive, expanding the initiative onto the XRP Ledger in a bid to widen investor access and streamline property transactions through blockchain technology. The second phase of the emirate’s Real Estate Tokenisation Project allows approved investors to trade fractionalised property interests recorded on the XRP Ledger, a public blockchain associated with Ripple. Officials say the move […]
Centralised control of artificial intelligence is facing a serious challenge as decentralised networks gather pace, promising to dilute the dominance of technology giants and open development to a broader community of users and developers. For much of the past decade, cutting-edge AI models have been built and deployed by a handful of well-funded companies with access to vast computing infrastructure and proprietary data. Firms such as OpenAI, […]
Lumen’s Advanced MDR offering delivers comprehensive, AI-powered threat detection and response across cloud, on-premises, identity, and OT environments – helping customers gain full-spectrum visibility and control over their security operations. Built on Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM platform, which unifies XDR, SOAR, ASM, and SIEM capabilities, the solution simplifies SOC workflows, eliminates console switching, and accelerates incident response through automation and advanced analytics. This platform-centric approach not only improves detection accuracy but also reduces operational complexity and licensing overhead.
As a Select Partner, Lumen supports seamless deployment of Cortex XSIAM, empowering customers to transform their security posture with confidence. Customers benefit from continuous threat hunting, tailored playbooks, and asset discovery powered by Lumen’s SOC analysts and Black Lotus Lab. With deep regional expertise, a strategic global network of SOCs, and a customer-first success model, Lumen ensures proactive defence against evolving threats.
Lumen has also recently been recognised in the Major Players Category in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment[1]. Lumen believes this recognition further validates its leadership in delivering scalable, outcome-driven security solutions.
“Our Advanced MDR offering is designed to give customers clarity and control in the face of growing cyber complexity. Partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows us to deliver a unified, intelligence-driven platform that not only strengthens security operations but also aligns with our customers’ business goals. This specialisation validates our ability to deliver trusted, outcome-focused cybersecurity, backed by deep regional expertise and a commitment to proactive protection,” said Ignatius Wong, Senior Director, Managed & Professional Services, APAC at Lumen Technologies.
Michelle Saw, Vice President, GTM Shared Services and Ecosystems, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, said, “Lumen’s achievement is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to a partner ecosystem focused on delivering world-class security outcomes in APAC. In today’s complex threat landscape, customers need the power of a unified, AI-driven platform like Cortex XSIAM, combined with the deep regional expertise and managed services of a trusted partner like Lumen. We are proud to collaborate with Lumen to empower businesses across the region to transform their security posture and confidently face the next generation of cyber threats.”
Hashtag: #LumenTechnologies
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Lumen is unleashing the world’s digital potential. We ignite business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. As the trusted network for AI, Lumen uses the scale of our network to help companies realise AI’s full potential. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, managed service, and digital platform capabilities, we meet our customers’ needs today and as they build for tomorrow.
Dubai has outlined the next phase of a Dh690 million overhaul of Hessa Street, setting out plans to ease persistent congestion along one of the city’s busiest east–west corridors and shorten daily travel times for thousands of motorists. Officials said the upgraded stretch will introduce additional lanes, new signal-controlled junctions and grade-separated interchanges designed to improve traffic flow between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The […]
A new artificial intelligence system developed by Chinese researchers, known as DeepRare, is poised to transform the diagnosis of rare diseases by offering significantly higher accuracy and transparent reasoning than conventional methods. DeepRare, built on a multi-agent architecture incorporating large language models and specialised analytical tools, processes complex clinical information — from free-text symptom descriptions to genetic test results — and generates ranked diagnostic hypotheses paired with […]
DeepSeek has expanded the context capacity of its flagship large language model by a factor of ten and pushed its knowledge cut-off forward to May 2025, sharpening competition in China’s fast-moving artificial intelligence sector as rival Zhipu introduced a new model aimed at enterprise and developer markets. The Hangzhou-based company said the upgrade enables users to process far longer documents and multi-step prompts in a single session, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A strategic partnership signed in Riyadh this week is aimed at transforming veterinary vaccine production in Saudi Arabia through domestic manufacturing and advanced technology transfers, marking a decisive shift in the Kingdom’s approach to animal health and biosecurity. Under the patronage of Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and chairman of the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, Saudi […]
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: When the Supreme Court of the United States struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs on February 20, delivering a 6–3 verdict that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 confers no authority to impose broad-spectrum duties without Congressional approval, the most consequential reverberations were felt not in […]
The article How A Supreme Court Ruling And A Russian Oil Gambit Rewrote India’s Trade Destiny appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
President Donald Trump has set an ultimatum for Iran to conclude a meaningful deal on its nuclear programme within the next 10 to 15 days, warning that failure to do so could trigger “really bad things” including possible limited military strikes, as tensions mount across the Middle East. Trump made the comments at a White House meeting of his Board of Peace initiative, underscoring that negotiations with […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi’s real estate market closed 2025 with transactions worth AED142 billion across 42,814 deals, marking the highest annual value on record and underscoring the emirate’s growing weight as a global investment destination. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, the sector’s regulator and custodian, said total transaction value rose 44 per cent compared with 2024, while the number of deals climbed 52 per […]
Scientists at the University of Oxford have unveiled a technique that could accelerate charging times and extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by exposing how a largely overlooked component behaves at the nanoscale. By making polymer binders inside battery electrodes visible under advanced imaging, the team has identified manufacturing adjustments that cut internal resistance by as much as 40 per cent, a shift that may translate into […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has moved to enable the resale of tokenised property assets, marking a significant step in a $16 billion plan to digitise parts of its real estate market and make transactions faster and more accessible. The Dubai Land Department has confirmed that the next phase of its real estate tokenisation initiative, developed with technology firm Ctrl Alt, will allow investors to trade property […]
Noise cancellation was once considered a premium feature, typically chosen after other aspects were already established. However, it has now become an essential component of daily audio consumption, providing users with greater control over background noise and enhancing focus in various environments. Noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds are purposefully designed to integrate seamlessly into one’s routine, minimising distractions and streamlining the listening experience. In this evolving landscape, boAt […]
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the airline’s leadership also met with Boeing to discuss a subsequent plan to invest in 30 wide-body aircraft in the coming period, with an estimated total value of over USD 12 billion, in support of its international network development strategy.
This landmark agreement represents a cornerstone of Vietnam Airlines’ long-term fleet modernization strategy. The airline is scheduled to take delivery of the aircraft between 2030 and 2032, with the expansion expected to increase its total fleet to approximately 151 aircraft by 2030. The US$8.1 Billion (at 2025 catalog pricing) investment prioritizes the development of the narrow-body fleet to enhance network frequency, operational flexibility and cost efficiency, while strengthening competitiveness in the next phase of growth.
The Boeing 737-8 aircraft will primarily operate on domestic and regional Asian routes, supporting rising passenger demand and strengthening regional connectivity. Over the next five years, Vietnam Airlines targets sustained double-digit average annual growth across key operating indicators, in line with the robust expansion of Vietnam’s aviation market.
Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is taking a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to strengthening its capabilities, spanning fleet modernization, financial resilience and the development of high quality talent, to support our long term growth ambitions. The investment in 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft marks a significant step in building a modern, fuel efficient fleet while enhancing operational performance and elevating service standards to meet international benchmarks. This agreement also deepens the long standing strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, creating a strong foundation for our ambition to become a five star international airline by 2030.”
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are proud to build on our partnership with Vietnam Airlines and support them as they pair the 737 MAX with the 787 Dreamliner to further scale regional networks and strengthen connectivity across Asia. The 737‑8’s capabilities, economics and passenger experience make it an ideal airplane to support Vietnam Airlines’ growth plans.”
Boeing 737-8 is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing’s history, recognized for its advanced design, operational reliability, and sustainability performance. With seating for up to 200 passengers and a range of up to 6,570 kilometers, the aircraft offers strong flexibility across short- and medium-haul networks.
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and incorporating an optimized aerodynamic design and advanced technology winglets, the 737 reduces fuel use and emissions by 20 percent compared to the airplanes it replaces. On average, each aircraft is expected to save up to 8 million pounds of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting the airline’s network expansion while lowering operating costs.
The Boeing Sky Interior further enhances the passenger experience, featuring larger pivoting bins, advanced LED lighting, larger windows, and a spacious cabin architecture that delivers a modern and comfortable flying experience.
Beyond fleet expansion, this investment underscores Vietnam Airlines’ long-term commitment to sustainable development, emissions reduction, and service excellence. With the addition of the 737-8, the airline is strengthening its operational capabilities and adherence to international safety and service standards.
To secure diversified funding sources, Vietnam Airlines in 2025 engaged in discussions with domestic banks and dominant U.S. financial institutions, including EXIM Bank and Citi, to arrange financing for strategic projects such as fleet investment.
Building on strengthened financial foundations and improving operational performance, Vietnam Airlines continues to expand its global footprint, including the recent launch of a record 14 new international routes. The introduction of the Boeing 737-8 will further enhance the airline’s capacity to capture growth in the Asia Pacific aviation market, expand connectivity and elevate service quality, as it advances toward its goal of becoming a five-star airline by 2030.
Hashtag: #VietnamAirlines #Boeing7378 #FleetExpansion #AviationIndustry #AirlineGrowth
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
