Vietjet representatives were in Toulouse to accept delivery of a brand new Airbus 320—the first of 100 aircraft ordered by the Vietnamese carrier from the European aviation giant.
The delivery of this brand-new jet marks a major milestone in the development of Vietjet, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus in September, 2013 before finalizing the deal at the Singapore Airshow in February, 2014.
After Vietjet and Airbus complete all delivery-related documentation, the new Airbus flew to Vietnam where it landed in Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on 27 November, 2014. The new aircraft is also the very first aircraft to feature the symbol of Vietcombank – Vietnam’s leading import and export bank and commercial sponsor – on the fuselage. Vietcombank is also a leading aircraft sale-leaseback arranger in Vietnam.
At the aircraft delivery ceremony in Toulouse, distinguished guests included the Deputy Head of Transport of Vietnam Mr Pham Quy Tieu and distinguished delegation of Vietjet and Airbus.
One of the European company’s most popular models, the newly delivered aircraft (VJC6341) is a single-aisle aircraft, which is manufactured and assembled, according to the strict standards of Airbus. The aircraft features modern and advanced technologies making it more fuel- and cost-efficient.
With 180 seats in the aircraft cabin, this model is ideal for Vietjet, which operates domestic routes and a growing number of short-haul routes across Asia. Now one of the fastest growing airlines in Asia, Vietjet’s dynamic growth over the last two years has transformed the aviation industry in Vietnam.
“The aircraft purchase contract between Vietjet and Airbus has paved the way for Vietjet to sustainably develop and expand its flight network over the next 10 years at the best possible operational costs while benefiting from training courses from Airbus,” said Mr. Pham Quy Tieu, the Deputy Head of Transport of Vietnam, who added that the Vietnamese government has been upgrading airport facilities throughout Vietnam, where there are 24 commercial airports including nine international airports.
He also expressed his delight that Airbus now produces certain components in Vietnam—a further boost to Vietnam’s reputation for aviation related industries. “As always, we welcome investment in the aviation industry, airport infrastructure, and other air services,” added Tieu.
Also in attendance at the ceremony, Mr. Luu Duc Khanh, the Managing Director of Vietjet, expressed his delight on receiving the brand new aircraft.
“This is a momentous occasion for us. Receiving this plane highlights how far we have come in three years of operations but it also marks the beginning of the next phase of our development,” said Mr. Khanh. “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 and offer even better fares and more flying opportunities to our customers so everyone can ‘Enjoy Flying’.”
According to Mr. Khanh, Vietjet will continue to enhance and expand its flight network throughout Vietnam and across the region, contributing to the development of the aviation industry in Vietnam and Asia Pacific.
John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, 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 on our strong and mutually beneficial partnership. We are confident that the A320 will play a key role in enabling Vietjet to realize its ambition to become a leading player in the Asia region. And we are greatly honored to partner with Vietjet on this journey.”
Prior to the ceremony, Vietjet and Airbus held the last technical check on 24 November before completing the ‘Transfer of Title’ on 25 November, both compulsory processes which are required as part of Airbus’ rigorous testing and certification program.
Once the aircraft joined the rest of the Vietjet family back in Southeast Asia, the airline boasts a fleet of 18 Airbus jets. Moving forward, the latest addition to the fleet will operate international flights, optimizing Vietjet’s operational efficiency and helping Vietjet to offer local and international customers more flying opportunities at incredible prices.
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