PARIS — The FLC Group on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to buy up to 24 A321neo aircraft for Bamboo Airways.

The agreement was signed in Paris by FLC Group chairman Trịnh Văn Quyết and Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer, Airbus, in the presence of Nguyễn Phú Trọng, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, who was on an official visit to the European country, and François de Rugy, President of the National Assembly of France.

“After carefully reviewing the options, FLC Group and Bamboo Airways decided to choose A321neo aircraft for the airline’s operation. The aircraft will allow us to provide effective and convenient services and contribute to the development of the resort market in Việt Nam,” Quyết said.

Schulz claimed Việt Nam was one of the most vibrant economies in Southeast Asia. “We are proud to play a key role in helping to develop the air transport system in this fast-growing market,” he said.

Airbus said FLC had completed the deposit and initial payment of the contract, fulfilling the pre-condition for handing over the 24 aircraft to Bamboo Airways.

Bamboo Airways is set to start operations in 2019 with aircraft on lease from third-party lessors before taking delivery of the aircraft covered by the MoU with Airbus. The carrier will focus on linking international markets to Vietnamese leisure destinations as well as select domestic routes.

The A321 aircraft is the largest member of the A320 family, seating up to 240 passengers depending on cabin configuration.

In Việt Nam, Bamboo Airways is awaiting approval of its licence in the aviation sector. Once approved, the company plans to buy an additional 26 Airbus A321 long-range airplanes to increase its total aircraft to 50.

In May last year, the FLC Group announced the decision of its management board to establish the Việt Bamboo Airways Company with a charter capital of VNĐ700 billion (US$31.4 million). — VNS