Vietnam Airlines has selected US aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for engine maintenance of its 20 Airbus A321neo aircraft fleet.

Under the EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement, Pratt & Whitney will provide GTF engine maintenance services for 12 years.

Vietnam Airlines executive vice-president Dang Ngoc Hoa said: “Vietnam Airlines’ objective is to have the highest level of safety, performance and reliability on our entire fleet, which includes GTF-powered aircraft.

“With Pratt & Whitney’s EngineWise services solutions, we are able to optimise our fleet and better serve our customers.”

Vietnam Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo aircraft in November 2018. The A321neo was acquired on lease from Aviation Capital Group (ACG).

As part of its fleet renewal programme, Vietnam Airlines will receive 20 A321neo aircraft.

Entering commercial operation in 2016, the GTF engine is designed to reduce fuel consumption by 16% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 50% compared to the regulatory standard. It also helps minimise the noise level by 75%.

The aftermarket services provided under Pratt & Whitney’s EngineWise portfolio allows operators to increase engine performance and fleet availability.

Pratt & Whitney Customers chief customer officer and senior vice-president Rick Deurloo said: “We are thrilled to provide Vietnam Airlines with state of the art service technologies for their GTF engines.

“We appreciate the close relationship we have developed with the airline and look forward to supporting their fleet for many years to come.”

In a separate development, Pratt & Whitney has also signed a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement with China Southern Airlines. The aircraft covered under this agreement include 24 Airbus A320neo powered by GTF.