Vietjet's chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo (middle, right) and Airbus CEO of the Commercial Aircraft Business, Christian Scherer (middle, left) along with senior leaders of both companies witness the contract signing ceremony to purchase 20 new-generation wide-body A330neo aircraft. — Photo courtesy of Vietjet

LONDON — Vietjet and Airbus have signed a contract for the purchase of 20 new-generation wide-body A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, worth US$7.4 billion, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.

The contract signing ceremony in London on Monday was witnessed by Vietjet's chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo and Airbus CEO, Commercial Aircraft Business, Christian Scherer.

This represents one of the largest deals at this year's airshow. The newly ordered aircraft will be deployed for Vietjet's growing long-haul services, alongside routes with high demand in the region. They will replace Vietjet's current fleet of A330-300s and support the airline's strategic plan to expand its intercontinental flight network.

Vietjet's chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo said: “The new A330neo aircraft strategically enhances Vietjet's fleet development, boosting the airline’s operational capacity to support its global expansion.

"The introduction of advanced, fuel-efficient A330neo aircraft into Vietjet's fleet is part of our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for Net-Zero emissions by 2050.

"Passengers will soon enjoy safer, more comfortable and modern long-haul flights. Airbus planes have enabled Vietjet to bring cost-effective flying opportunities to over 200 million passengers, including many first-time flyers, connecting people, nations, and continents, promoting economic development and cultural exchange.”

“We are pleased to finalise this milestone order with one of Asia’s fastest-growing carriers,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President of Sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

“This is another vote of confidence in the latest generation Airbus wide body product line. It demonstrates the tremendous A330neo versatility for all types of business models and networks from domestic and regional to long haul routes."

He added that the award-winning Airspace cabin also enables airlines to provide the best flight experience for passengers, fully adaptable to each business model. This will be the perfect platform for Vietjet Air to fly more people, farther and at lower cost, while also reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The new A330neo aircraft strategically enhances Vietjet's fleet development. — Photo courtesy of Vietjet

The A330neo features an award-winning cabin, setting new standards in comfort, space, and design, and providing passengers with a unique flying experience. This includes a new lighting system, bigger overhead bins and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm/13,300 km non-stop.

With a fleet of over 105 aircraft and constantly growing passenger volume, Vietjet is actively expanding its intercontinental flight network, developing new and modern fleets in collaboration with global strategic partners such as Airbus. — VNS