Vietravel Airlines Expands Fleet with A320 Lease
Vietravel Airlines (VU), based at Hue Phu Bai International Airport, has announced a strategic move to bolster its fleet by wet leasing an Airbus A320-200 from Avion Express Malta (4X). This temporary addition is set to enhance Vietravel’s operational capacity until after the upcoming Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, as detailed in the airline’s recent social media statement.
The leased aircraft, registered as 9H-SWN and bearing msn 5086, made its journey from Castellón de la Plana Costa Azahar to Ho Chi Minh City on November 21-22, as tracked by ADS-B flight data. This move marks the commencement of revenue flights for Vietravel Airlines, with 9H-SWN initiating service on November 24. The aircraft is currently operating on the Ho Chi Minh-Qui Nhon and Ho Chi Minh-Hanoi roundtrip routes, providing essential connectivity within Vietnam’s rapidly growing aviation market.
The Airbus A320-200 is a versatile single-cabin aircraft capable of accommodating 180 passengers. Previously, this particular aircraft served Eurowings, a German low-cost carrier, before ceasing operations earlier this month. Its integration into Vietravel’s fleet underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its domestic and regional flight offerings.
Vietravel Airlines already operates a fleet of three Airbus A321-200s, which connect five major cities within Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, as well as offering flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The addition of the A320-200 from Avion Express Malta will enhance Vietravel’s ability to meet increasing passenger demand and maintain high service standards across its network.
In addition to the newly leased aircraft, Vietravel’s fleet management includes other Airbus A320s. One such aircraft, VN-A278 (msn 6376), was ferried to Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on September 30 for scheduled maintenance and remains there to ensure optimal performance and safety standards. The remaining two A320s are actively serving passengers, contributing to the airline’s robust operational schedule.
The decision to wet lease an aircraft allows Vietravel Airlines to quickly expand its capacity without the long-term commitments associated with purchasing new aircraft. This flexible approach enables the airline to respond effectively to seasonal demand fluctuations and other market dynamics, ensuring sustained growth and customer satisfaction.
Vietravel Airlines has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing tourism and business travel within Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian region. The strategic expansion of its fleet is a testament to the airline’s vision to become a leading carrier in the region, offering reliable and comfortable air travel options to a diverse range of destinations.
Avion Express Malta, the lessor of the Airbus A320-200, is renowned for providing high-quality aircraft leasing solutions to airlines worldwide. The partnership between Vietravel Airlines and Avion Express Malta is expected to foster further collaboration, potentially paving the way for future fleet expansions and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing aviation services in Vietnam.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com