Vietnam’s largest private airline Vietjet has placed an order with Airbus for 20 more A330neo airliners as it looks to continue its fleet expansion grow its network.
The wide-body A330-900s will be used to increase capacity on high-density routes across the Asia-Pacific region from Vietjets bases across Vietnam.
The formal agreement was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Wouter van Wersch, President Airbus International and also present was French President Emmanuel Macron and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong as the signing fell during an official visit to the country.
Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said: “Modern Airbus aircraft, with the latest levels of efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have accompanied Vietjet’s growth and will continue to support our global flight network expansion. Vietjet remains dedicated to delivering greater connectivity and sustainable air travel for millions of passengers and around the world.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft at Airbus added: “Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, bringing low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality. We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach.”
The Airbus A330-900 will also replace Vietjets older A330-300 wide bodies and compliment the A320XLR aircraft that it has on order for longer routes. Vietjet had already ordered 20 A330-900 which has not doubled to 40.
In the same week, Papua New Guinea flag carrier Air Niugini disclosed an order for two Airbus A220-100 single-aisle airliners in addition to the six it ordered in 2023.
Gary Seddon, Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini said: “The A220 is set to form the backbone of our domestic and regional fleet and will support economic development in Papua New Guinea. As we continue to forecast strong growth we have made the decision to increase our orders for this fuel efficient type, bringing a whole new level of efficiency and comfort for our operations.”
Air Niugini’s first A220 has just entered the Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Airbus’ Mirabel, Canada facility where the A220 is manufactured.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business added: “This is Air Niugini’s second order for the A220. We are committed to working closely with the airline as we support its fleet renewal programme. The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in its size category, with a wider and spacious cabin and the range to fly non-stop to any destination on the carrier’s network.”
The A220 is able to offer unrivalled performance and economy in the 100-160 seat market making it popular for short-haul and regional operators. But with the ability to fly up to 3,600nm it has potential for longer low-density routes also.
