Two airlines from Vietnam have reached agreements with the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which will result in the delivery of five A350-900s to Vietnam Airlines, while Vietravel Airlines will receive additional A220 and A321neos. The new aircraft are anticipated to be delivered in 2033 and 2034, indicating a lengthy backlog for Airbus.
The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has set ambitious goals to acquire as many as 30 widebody aircraft as part of its strategic fleet enhancement plan, with the latest five A350s bolstering its long-haul fleet and aspirations for international expansion.
Vietravel Airlines, which operates both domestic and international scheduled and charter flights in Vietnam, has also finalized an order with Airbus for over 50 narrowbody jets. Deliveries for these planes are expected to begin in 2029. The airline’s letter of intent with Airbus represents a significant advancement in its ongoing development of domestic and short-haul international services.
Founded in 2019 and fully owned by the T&T Group, Vietravel Airlines operates from both Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) (HAN) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) (SGN). The airline currently has a modest fleet of just five aircraft, which includes one Airbus A320-200 and four A321-200s. Two of these planes have gained attention on social media due to their previous service with Spirit Airlines. Detailed fleet information is provided below:
Vietravel’s ambitious order is expected to facilitate rapid growth, enabling the airline to launch new regional and short-haul services with the A220 that are currently underserved. The A321 will enhance busy domestic routes between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while also offering sufficient capacity and range for international flights across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
With Vietravel’s order for 50 aircraft, combined with Vietnam Airlines’ memorandum of understanding for five, the total order for Airbus exceeds 55 planes. The European manufacturer has established a strong foothold in Vietnam, where the national carrier already operates 80 Airbus aircraft.
The additional A350s for Vietnam Airlines will complement the 14 A350-900s already in operation since the airline first introduced this aircraft type in 2015. The flag carrier has expressed intentions to acquire over 30 new widebody aircraft in the next decade and is actively exploring medium- and long-haul routes to Europe, Australia, and North America.
Currently, the airline is utilizing leased aircraft while implementing a dual strategy to address the rising global travel demand. Additionally, the airline has confirmed an order with American manufacturer Boeing for 50 737 MAX 8s, which will enhance frequency on intra-Asia routes.
Although both airlines will have to wait several years for their new aircraft, the agreements were celebrated alongside broader aerospace deals announced between France and Vietnam. French President Emmanuel Macron noted that an order for the Airbus NH90 helicopter is nearing placement by the Vietnam People’s Army, intended for naval or maritime security defense operations.
The letter of intent from Vietravel signifies a major transformation for the otherwise small airline with just five aircraft, as the market in Vietnam continues to expand. The country surpassed Thailand in July and August this year, becoming the second-largest aviation market in Southeast Asia by seat capacity, following Indonesia, according to OAG. For Vietnam Airlines, the additional widebodies will support its international growth objectives and provide extra capacity to explore new markets.
Both aircraft orders were finalized during a visit to Paris by Tô Lâm, the country’s State President. It is important to note that Vietnam Airlines’ agreement is a memorandum of understanding, while Vietravel’s is a letter of intent.
Source: Original article
