Airbus secures major aircraft commitments from Vietnamese airlines

Airbus has secured aircraft orders from two Vietnamese airlines, including a provisional deal for five Airbus A350-900s with flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the widebody aircraft during Vietnamese President To Lam’s visit to Paris this week.

Vietnam Airlines must wait until 2030s for deliveries

Deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2033 and 2034, reflecting the long order backlog for Airbus aircraft. It is not clear if that was a date asked for by the airline or stipulated by the aircraft manufacturer. The value of the agreement was not disclosed by the companies. 

The airline has made no secret of its plans to expand its short-haul and long-haul fleet. 

Vietnam Airlines said the future acquisition of up to 30 widebody aircraft – of which these five will contribute to – from 2030 onwards was a “strategic priority in its fleet development plan”. 

The incoming A350-900s, while not due for seven years, will form part of that longer-term fleet expansion, with Airbus highlighting the type’s long-haul capability and operational efficiency.

Vietnam Airlines launched a tender process for up to 30 widebody aircraft last year, saying at the time that it was open to both the Airbus A350-900 or the Boeing 787-9. 

The airline said it would consider a purchase, operating lease, finance lease, or sub-lease in order to obtain the aircraft.

Backed by presidential visit, Vietnamese airlines target growth

This week’s agreement was one of several deals signed between Vietnam and France during To Lam’s visit to Paris.

“The MoU marks an important milestone in Vietnam–France aviation cooperation and supports Vietnam Airlines’ long-term strategy to strengthen its long-haul operating capabilities beyond 2030,” Vietnam Airlines said. 

Separately, Vietravel Airlines has signed a letter of intent with Airbus covering 20 A220s and 30 A321s. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029, according to the Vietnamese government.

The combined agreements cover 55 aircraft, although neither represents a firm order at this stage. 

Vietnam Airlines’ agreement remains an MoU, while Vietravel’s is a letter of intent.

Airbus cements its position in Vietnam

The deals underline Airbus’ strong position in Vietnam, where airlines are preparing for substantial fleet growth as international and domestic air travel demand increases.

Vietnam Airlines already operates a substantial Airbus fleet, including 62 Airbus A321s. 

The A350 agreement would extend the carrier’s existing relationship with the type. The carrier already operates 14 A350-900s, having received its first aircraft in 2015.

Airbus also has a substantial presence in Vietnam’s narrowbody fleet, while the Vietravel agreement would add both A220s and A321s to the airline’s future fleet plans.

Vietravel already operates four Airbus A321-200s and a single A320. 

The aircraft agreements were announced alongside wider aerospace deals between France and Vietnam. 

France and Vietnam are also close to completing an agreement covering three Airbus Helicopters NH90s, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.