Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar sign deals for more Airbus planes (Photo:AFP/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VA) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France’s Airbus Group for 10 more A350-900 XWB aircraft, which will be used on its non-stop flights to the US from 2018.
The deal was signed in Hanoi on September 6 by President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines Duong Tri Thanh and Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO, who is accompanying French President Fran c ois Hollande on his ongoing State visit to Vietnam.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Thanh said the intention to acquire these additional aircraft reflects the airline’s excellent experience with the A350 since it entered service last year.
With its very long range capability, economical fuel consumption and spacious cabin, the A350 is the suitable aircraft for Vietnam Airlines’ proposed intercontinental routes to Europe and North America, he said, adding that the purchase also demonstrates the airline’s commitment to strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading international carriers.
Meanwhile, Fabrice Bregier stated that this agreement further consolidates the A350’s position as the new long haul leader in the mid-sized wide-body category.
Airbus looks forward to working closely with Vietnam Airlines in realising its plan to develop its long haul network and strengthens its position in the premium market, he said.
Vietnam Airlines is now operating four out of 14 A350-900s it has ordered with Airbus on international routes to Paris (France), Incheon (the Republic of Korea) and Shanghai (China), and domestic routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
By the end of this year, the airline will receive two more aircraft of this kind.
Also on the same day, the budget carrier Jetstar Pacific, a joint venture between Vietnam Airlines and Australia’s Qantas Group, signed a contract to buy 10 new-generation A320 CEO aircraft with Airbus.
The airplanes are expected to be delivered in 2017, helping Jetstar Pacific expand its domestic and international flight networks. The carrier plans to develop its feet to 30 A320s by 2020.-VNA
