Vietnam’s budget carrier Vietjet has placed an order with Airbus for 20 new A330-900 widebody aircraft to “support strategic expansion over the next decade”, according to reports.
Airbus announced in a statement that it had signed an agreement with Vietjet chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and president Airbus International president Wouter van Wersch in Hanoi yesterday.
“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,” Nguyen said. “Vietjet remains dedicated to delivering greater connectivity and sustainable air travel for millions of passengers and around the world.”
The order will support Vietjet’s ongoing international network expansion, enabling the airline to increase flights on routes across the Asia-Pacific region. Vietjet only operates a fleet of Airbus which includes 115 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft and seven A330-300s. At present, the Australia-Vietnam routes are served by the A330-300s.
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New future long haul to Europe
In the statement, Vietjet said it will also introduce new future long haul services to Europe.
“Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, bringing low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality,” EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft at Airbus Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said. “We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice.”
The A330-900 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and can fly 13,300 kilometres (7,200 nautical miles) without stopping. The aircraft’s cabin offers more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and access to the latest in-flight entertainment.
The A330neo can use up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to reach 100 per cent SAF capability by 2030. By the end of April 2025, the A330 Family had secured over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.
“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,” Nguyen said.
The new contract with Vietjet doubles its firm orders for the A330neo to 40 aircraft. In addition, the carrier has 96 A320neo Family single aisle aircraft on order.
