Vietjet Air, a privately owned Vietnamese carrier, is adding widebody aircraft to its fleet. The Hanoi-based airline entered a memo of understanding with Airbus SA to purchase 20 A330-900 aircraft, for long-range service and high-capacity regional routes. Neither Vietjet nor Airbus has indicated the value or the schedule for the planned purchase.
Based on list prices for the A330neo, the booking could be worth as much as $5.2 billion.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 84 aircraft, including 20 A330-900s and seven A330-300s that are leased.
The A330neo is the “new engine option” introduced in 2014 to modernize the wide-body series for greater fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions; sharklets and other aeronautical design updates; and an enlarged passenger cabin.
Vietjet also placed orders with Rolls-Royce for Trent 7000 turbofan engines to power the new twin-engine jets.
CEO Dinh Viet Phuong described the new aircraft as a “strategic addition” that will modernize the Vietjet fleet, enhance operating capabilities, and support a global network expansion. “With the introduction of the A330neo, passengers can look forward to longer-range, well-equipped flights with excellent services at more competitive fares," according to Phuong.
“We are excited to work with Vietjet on the next phase of the carrier's expansion,” stated CEO Christian Scherer, of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business. “The A330neo will enable the airline to achieve the lowest possible operating costs per seat and to continue to offer its customers the best possible value wherever they fly.”
