A320

Vietnam’s low-cost airline VietJetAir has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for up to 92 A320 aircraft worth $9bn at list prices.

The company has also agreed to lease eight more aircraft from third-party lessors.

The latest agreement signed with Airbus includes 42 A320neo, 14 A320ceo and six A321ceo, as well as 30 purchase rights for the A320 family aircraft.

VietJetAir managing director Luu Duc Khanh said the A320 has proven to be extremely efficient in service with VietJetAir and is a favourite with the passengers.

"Based on this experience, we look forward to developing our business with the most economic and comfortable aircraft available today," Khanh said.

VietJetAir, which is an existing A320 operator with eight leased aircraft already in-service, said it will finance the new order by a planned stock market listing, as well as through loans from overseas banks backed by export credits.

"VietJetAir said it will finance the new order by a planned stock market listing."

Airbus Customers chief operating officer John Leahy said this important agreement underscores the A320 family’s position in the single aisle segment in the fast-growing South East Asian market.

"We look forward to working with VietJetAir as it builds on its success to date and contributes to ever more affordable travel in this important region of the world," Leahy said.

The A320 family currently has more than 9,800 orders, with around 5,700 aircraft delivered to 385 customers and operators worldwide.

Founded in 2007, VietJetAir is the first private airline in Vietnam to operate domestic and international flights.

The airline took off the inaugural flight on 24 December 2011.

Image: VietJetAir is an existing A320 operator with eight leased aircraft already in service. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.

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