Vietravel Airlines has signed a significant agreement with Airbus Group to acquire 50 new-generation aircraft, marking a strategic expansion of its fleet. The deal, which includes 20 A220s and 30 A321s (comprising A321neo and A321XLR variants), is slated for initial deliveries starting in 2029.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris, France, during the official visit of General Secretary and President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation for the Space Summit from 10 to 12/9.

Do Quang Hien, founder and chairman of T&T Group (left), with Do Vinh Quang, vice chairman of T&T Group and chairman of Vietravel Airlines, and Wouter van Wersch, president of Airbus International, exchange the cooperation agreement for 50 new-generation aircraft. Photo: Anh Chien

The acquisition of these two distinct aircraft types is central to Vietravel Airlines' long-term business strategy, aiming to segment its flight network. The narrow-body A220 aircraft will be instrumental in opening new markets and establishing direct routes to cities currently lacking regular air connectivity or facing limited transportation options.

Designed by Airbus for the up to 160-seat segment, the A220 incorporates lightweight materials and new-generation engines. This design reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by approximately 25% per seat compared to previous generations. Its cabin features a 2-3 seating configuration per row, minimizing middle seats, alongside large windows and spacious overhead bins. With a range of 6,300 to 6,700 km depending on the variant, the A220 will enable direct flights to numerous regional destinations.

For higher capacity requirements, the A321 aircraft will serve high-demand routes and long-haul international flights. The A321neo variant offers up to 240 seats with a range of approximately 7,400 km. The ultra-long-range A321XLR variant extends this capability with an 8,700 km range, allowing Vietravel Airlines to expand its operational reach from Southeast Asia to South Asia, Central Asia, and certain Middle Eastern markets.

A Vietravel Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft. Photo: T&T Group

This transaction marks a pivotal shift in Vietravel Airlines' development plan since joining the T&T Group ecosystem in late 2024. The airline is proactively increasing its owned aircraft ratio, moving away from a complete reliance on leased planes. This transition will commence with the introduction of its first A321 in 6/2025.

Currently, Vietravel Airlines operates a domestic network connecting major cities and maintains regular international routes to Bangkok, Thailand, and Shenzhen, China. The airline plans to further expand its fleet in the second half of the year, aiming to increase its daily flight operations to approximately 80 to 90 flights.

Beyond passenger transport, the development of this fleet will also bolster the cargo transportation segment within T&T Group's infrastructure and logistics ecosystem. The agreement with Europe's leading aircraft manufacturer ensures a long-term supply of aircraft for the Vietnamese carrier, addressing ongoing global aviation market challenges related to new aircraft delivery delays.

Thanh Thu