Vietjet takes delivery of first of 100 Airbus A320 aircraft

Vietjet Aviation Company (“Vietjet”) has accepted delivery of the first of 100 brand new Airbus A320s ordered by the airline. Vietjet signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2013 with Airbus and finalised the deal at the Singapore Airshow in February this year. The delivery of this aircraft marks a major milestone in the development of Vietjet, who over the past three years have transformed the aviation industry in Vietnam and become one of the fastest growing airlines in Asia.

 

The A320, one of Airbus’ most popular models is a single-aisle aircraft, featuring modern and advanced technologies, making it more fuel and cost efficient. With 180 seats, the model is well suited for Vietjet, which operates domestic routes and a growing number of short-haul routes throughout Asia. The new aircraft is the very first to feature the symbol of Vietcombank, the leading aircraft sale-leaseback arranger in Vietnam and Vietjet’s commercial sponsor.

 

“This is a momentous occasion for us. Receiving this aircraft highlights how far we have come in just three years of operations, whilst marking the beginning of the next phase in our developments. We are proud to be playing a crucial role for the aviation industry in Vietnam. With a solid business plan and a strong fleet, we can better control operational costs to enable us to offer even better fares and more flying opportunities to our customers,” said Mr. Luu Duc Khanh, Managing Director of Vietjet.

 

Mr. Luu Duc Khanh continued to say, “Vietjet will continue to enhance and expand its flight network throughout V.ietnam and across the region, contributing to the development of the aviation industry in Vietnam and Asia Pacific.”

 

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer for Airbus said, “We are proud to deliver the first aircraft to be purchased from Airbus by Vietjet. We are pleased that this fast-growing carrier has selected Airbus aircraft as the platform for its future growth and we look forward to building our strong and mutually beneficial partnership further.”

 

“We are confident that the A320 will play a key role in enabling Vietjet to realise its ambition to become a leading player in the Asia region and we are greatly honored to partner with Vietjet on this journe,” Mr. Leahy added.

 

Mr. Pham Quy Tieu, Deputy Head of Transport for Vietnam said, “The contract between Vietjet and Airbus has paved the way for Vietjet to sustainably develop and expand its flight network over the next 10 years.” He added that the Vietnamese government has been upgrading airport facilities throughout Vietnam, where there are 24 airports, nine of which are international.

 

Prior to the ceremony, Vietjet and Airbus held the last technical check on 24 November before completing the ‘Transfer of Title’ on 25 November. The airline now boasts a fleet of 18 Airbus jets and the new addition will operate international flights.

 

Since Vietjet started its operations three years ago, the airline has doubled its commercial fleet, resulting in the transportation of approximately eight million passengers thus far. Vietjet currently operates 24 domestic and international routes. It offers daily flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City where travellers can easily connect to other cities within Vietnam via the airline’s extensive network of domestic flights. International routes include Bangkok, Siem Reap and Seoul.