Vietjet Expands Fleet with a $5.9 Billion Deal for 20 Airbus A330-900 Aircraft

Airbus has announced a significant deal with Vietnamese airline Vietjet Air, marking a pivotal moment in the aviation industry. Vietjet has committed to purchasing 20 of Airbus’s A330-900 planes, a move that signifies the largest widebody order in the airline’s history. This memorandum of understanding, unveiled at the Singapore Airshow, sets the stage for Vietjet to replace its current fleet of leased A330-300 aircraft with newer, more advanced models.

Christian Scherer, Airbus’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Vietjet for the airline’s ambitious expansion plans. The agreement, described by Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President of Sales at Airbus, as a “commitment to purchase,” is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with deliveries commencing in 2026.

Although Airbus did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, the list price valuation stands at approximately $5.9 billion. However, it’s common for such bulk orders to be negotiated at a discount, hinting at a potentially lower final transaction value.

Vietjet, known for its budget-friendly services, operates a fleet of 110 aircraft across roughly 30 international routes. The addition of the A330neo aircraft will not only allow Vietjet to replace its older A330-300 models but also to expand its network, particularly in long-range and high-capacity regional services. This strategic fleet enhancement aligns with Vietjet’s commitment to sustainability and its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The order reflects the growing demand in Vietnam’s aviation sector, fueled by increasing domestic travel and a rising interest in international air travel. Since its inception in 2011, Vietjet has made a mark in Vietnam’s airline industry, originally dominated by Vietnam Airlines. Known for its innovative and sometimes controversial marketing strategies, Vietjet has captured approximately 40% of the domestic passenger travel market as of 2022, underlining its significant impact on the industry.

This deal underscores Vietjet’s ambitious growth strategy and commitment to modernizing its fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, setting a new benchmark for the airline’s operational and sustainability goals.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com