Vietravel Airlines to Acquire 50 Airbus Aircraft, Bolstering European Ties

Vietravel Airlines, a low-cost carrier in Vietnam, has signed a memorandum of understanding with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to purchase 50 new aircraft. The deal includes 20 A220 aircraft and 30 A321 aircraft, encompassing both A321neo and A321XLR variants. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2029, supporting the airline's long-term business strategy. This significant agreement is part of the expansion plan for Vietravel Airlines, which is under the T&T Group. The airline intends to utilize the A220 aircraft for opening up new markets and establishing direct flights to cities not currently served by regular air routes or those with limited connectivity. The A220, designed with advanced lightweight materials and new-generation engines, offers a fuel efficiency and carbon emission reduction of approximately 25% per seat compared to previous generations. With a range of 6,300 to 6,700 km, it enables diverse regional route development. Meanwhile, the A321 aircraft are designated for high-demand routes and long-haul international flights. The A321neo can accommodate up to 240 seats with a range of about 7,400 km, while the ultra-long-range A321XLR boasts a range of 8,700 km, allowing Vietravel Airlines to extend its operations from Southeast Asia to South Asia, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Amidst the recovery of air travel demand post-pandemic, securing aircraft has become a critical challenge for Vietnam's aviation sector. This contract with Airbus marks a crucial step for Vietravel Airlines to reduce its reliance on leased aircraft and increase its owned fleet. Since joining the T&T Group at the end of 2024, the airline has been strengthening its operational base, with plans to introduce its first owned A321 aircraft in June 2025. Currently operating domestic routes and some international services to destinations like Bangkok (Thailand) and Shenzhen (China), Vietravel Airlines aims to increase its daily flight operations to 80-90 flights with the expanded fleet. Furthermore, the fleet expansion plan is expected to bolster cargo transport capabilities within T&T Group's infrastructure and logistics ecosystem. Source: VnExpress