News
VietJet converts 42 A320neo to larger A321neo
January 5th 2018
Hanoi-headquartered VietJet Air has converted an order for 42 A320neo to the larger A321neo. The order change was revealed as the low-cost carrier (LCC) took delivery its first of 31 previously ordered A321neo. Read More »
VietJet is the first South East Asian operator of the A321neo. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan engines and configured for 230 passengers.
Following the first delivery and order conversion, VietJet has 73 A321neo and 11 A321ceo aircraft on order from Airbus for future delivery.
The agreement to upsize the order was signed last month
Airbus said the amendment was signed in December by VietJet president and CEO, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus COO and president, Commercial Aircraft.
“The A320 Family has contributed to Vietjet’s impressive operational performance and helped to keep our costs extremely low. Upsizing our order to the A321neo reflects Vietjet's efforts to bring more comfort, joy and safety to our valued passengers,” said Thao.
“We are proud when a dynamic airline like Vietjet endorses our products,” said Brégier, adding the A321neo would be “a real asset in Vietjet’s expansion plans in such a competitive market”.
Founded in 2007, VietJet now operates 21 A320 and 27 A321 aircraft to more than 50 domestic and regional destinations from its hubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
In March 2015, its Thai subsidiary – Thai VietJet – launched operations. Thai VietJet now operates four A320s.
The VietJet group airlines also have 100 high-density B737 MAX 200s on direct order from Boeing.
The VietJet stable of carriers has floated ambitions to enter the long-haul low-cost market. In October, VietJet Air deputy director, Jay Lingeswara, said the LCC was considering long-haul budget flights to Australia, Europe and the U.S.
“We are taking a very serious look at doing long-haul ops,” Lingeswara said. "We also are looking at all avenues be it with partners or doing it on our own,” the VietJet executive said.
“We are not restricted into entering partnerships with other low-cost carriers,” Lingeswara said, pointing toward the airline’s recently inaugurated partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) on flights between Japan and Vietnam. He added the LCC was in discussions with a Middle Eastern carrier about a tie-up.
