Bamboo Airways Shifts to All-Airbus Fleet, Exits Embraer E190 Operations

Bamboo Airways, based in Hanoi Noi Bai International, Vietnam, is set to transition to an exclusively Airbus fleet as part of its strategic restructuring. The airline has finalized an agreement with CDB Aviation to return its three leased ERJ 190-100LRs by the end of March, marking the end of its Embraer E190 operations, as confirmed on February 23. This move aligns with Bamboo Airways’ efforts to streamline operations and focus on cost efficiency and fuel optimization.

The Embraer aircraft slated for return include VN-A261 (msn 19000605), delivered to the airline in July 2021; VN-A262 (msn 19000613), which joined the fleet in October 2021; and VN-A266 (msn 19000570), added in January 2021. Operational costs, fuel efficiency considerations, and pilot training demands underpin the decision to phase out these jets. Despite their active roles in Bamboo Airways’ current schedule, the E190s are set to depart from the fleet, affecting service on several routes.

Bamboo Airways’ E190s are integral to operations between Hanoi and several domestic destinations, including Con Dao, Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hue Phu Bai International, and Nha Trang Cam Ranh, as well as routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao and Da Nang. The withdrawal of the E190s will lead Bamboo Airways to cease operations to Con Dao, as the airport’s infrastructure cannot accommodate A320 aircraft operations.

Post-E190 era, Bamboo Airways will operate with a streamlined fleet comprising two A320-200s, two A320-200Ns, and four A321-200s. This shift follows a tumultuous period where the airline narrowly avoided bankruptcy and underwent significant restructuring, which included returning many aircraft to lessors, notably its entire Boeing 787 fleet. This strategic move resulted in a reduced operational footprint.

Despite these challenges, Bamboo Airways is optimistic about its future, expressing intentions to rebuild its capacity. The airline has set a goal to expand its fleet to 18 aircraft by the end of 2024, signaling a commitment to recover and grow in the competitive aviation market. This transition to an all-Airbus fleet underscores Bamboo Airways’ dedication to operational efficiency, fuel savings, and a simplified pilot training regime, setting a new course for the airline’s development.