Against the backdrop of Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Airbus and low-cost airline Vietjet sealed a $7.4 billion agreement for 20 A330-900 jets.
The billion-dollar sale was widely anticipated after Airbus and Vietjet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this year at the Singapore Airshow.
The announcement was significant at the time as it represented the Vietnamese carrier’s first step into the widebody aircraft market.
Vietjet’s acquisition was confirmed at a signing ceremony on July 23, 2024, in the presence of the airline’s Chairperson, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and the CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft Business, Christian Scherer.
The new Airbus A330neos will replace replace Vietjet’s current fleet of A330-300 as the airline continues to focus on increasing operations to long-haul destinations.
“The new A330neo aircraft strategically enhance Vietjet’s fleet development, boosting the airline’s operational capacity to support its global expansion. The introduction of advanced, fuel-efficient A330neo aircraft into Vietjet’s fleet is part of our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for Net-Zero emissions by 2050. Passengers will soon enjoy safer, more comfortable, and modern long-haul flights,” Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said.
The Vietjet executive added: “Airbus planes have enabled Vietjet to bring cost-effective flying opportunities to over 200 million passengers, including many first-time flyers, connecting peoples, nations, and continents, promoting economic development and cultural exchange.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, the Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft said the agreement was “another vote of confidence” in the planemaker’s new generation of aircraft.
“It demonstrates the tremendous A330neo versatility for all types of business models and networks from domestic and regional to long haul routes. The award-winning Airspace cabin also enables airlines to provide the best flight experience for passengers, fully adaptable to each business model. This will be the perfect platform for Vietjet Air to fly more people, farther and at lower cost, while also reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry explained.
The new A330neo will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and reach distances of up to 7,200 nautical miles.
No details on when the aircraft would be delivered were announced.
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