Low-cost Vietnamese airline Vietjet Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 20 Airbus A330neo airliners as it looks to expand its operation to longer haul flights.
When finalised, the A330neo, whose wings and engines are made in the UK, will be the first new wide-body order for Vietjet’s fleet which operates used A330-300s currently.
Vietjet is looking to expand its already growing long-range network but he A330 is versatile enough to be used to increase capacity on high-density short-haul routes.
Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong said, “The new A330neo aircraft is a strategic addition to comprehensively modernise Vietjet’s fleet, enhancing operational capabilities to support our global flight network expansion plan.
“Its fuel-efficient new-generation design aligns with our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. With the introduction of the A330neo, passengers can look forward to longer-range, well-equipped flights with excellent services at more competitive fares.”
“We are excited to work with Vietjet on the next phase of the carrier’s expansion,” added Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus.
“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. It will also be the perfect complement to the A321XLRs already on order with the airline, as it spreads its wings to more far-flung destinations.”
The A330neo features Airbus’ Airspace cabin which offers high levels of passenger comfort including more individual space and larger overhead luggage bins.
It is powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines which are made in Derby, England and the wings are built in Airbus’ wing manufacturing facility in Broughton, North Wales, the A330-900 is capable of flying up to 7,200 nm (13,300 km) non-stop.
