VietJet starts receiving huge Airbus order

VietJet Air has taken delivery of its first aircraft from a huge order placed with Airbus.

The Vietnamese low-cost carrier welcomed the new A320 aircraft in a delivery ceremony at the Airbus factory in Toulouse this week, attended by VietJet’s vice chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, managing director Luu Duc Khanh, and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Transport Pham Quy Tieu.

VietJet's new A320 takes off from the Airbus factory in Toulouse
VietJet’s new A320 takes off from the Airbus factory in Toulouse
The delivery marks the start of a major expansion plan for the airline. It agreed to buy up to 100 A320 aircraft late last year, including 63 firm orders direct with Airbus.

These will add to the airline’s existing fleet of 17 leased A320s.

“The A320 has proven to be extremely efficient in service with VietJet Air and is a favourite with our passengers,” said Luu Duc Khanh. “Based on this experience, we look forward to developing our business across the Asia Pacific region, with the most economic and comfortable aircraft. We are delighted to celebrate this delivery as we embark on a new phase in our expansion.”

VietJet first took to the skies in 2011 and now operates a fleet of 180-seat, all-economy A320 aircraft.

The 63 aircraft on firm order with Airbus comprise 14 standard A320s, seven larger A321s and 42 new, fuel-efficient A320neos.

The new aircraft will be used to expand VietJet’s operations across Asia, including the launch of its new Bangkok-based subsidiary Thai VietJet Air, which is expected to commence scheduled flights next month.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com