Vietjet President & CEO Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo (first row, right) and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury pose for a photo after signing the order contract for 20 A321XLR aircraft. Photo courtesy of Vietjet

TOULOUSE — New age-carrier Vietjet has ordered 20 brand-new A321XLR aircraft from Airbus, making it one of the first carriers in the world to operate Airbus’ newest "extra-long-range" version when the first of the aircraft are delivered in 2023.

This order, worth $2.8 billion at list prices, followed a contract inked between the two companies in Toulouse, France on Thursday.

With a range of up to 8,700km, the innovative model will serve Vietjet’s fleet modernisation and international flight network expansion plans in the future, the airline said in a statement.

Also the same day, two parties signed an agreement for two additional A320/A321 aircraft Simulators (SIM) for pilot and technician training. This agreement aims to increase the manufacturer’s investment to Vietjet Aviation Academy to three SIMs and help increase the capacity for training at the Vietjet facility.

“Vietjet is one of the fastest growing carriers in the Asian region and this order is another strong endorsement of our decision to bring true long range capability to the singe aisle market with the A321XLR, enabling airlines to extend their networks at the lowest possible cost,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury.

Vietjet CEO Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo said the airline had always been a pioneer in operating new, modern, advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“Following the signing of this contract today, the new A321XLR will be the perfect upgrade to comprehensively modernise Vietjet’s fleet as we look to strongly grow the international flight network,” she said.

The latest addition under this contract will bring Vietjet’s order book with Airbus total up to 186 aircraft.

Vietjet A321XLR aircraft. Photo courtesy of Vietjet

The next evolutionary step on from the A321LR, the A321XLR model responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines, according to the statement. From 2023, the aircraft will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm (8,704 km) – 15 per cent more than the A321LR – and with 30 per cent lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous-generation aircraft.

As part of the deals for the new aircraft and SIMs, Airbus Services also provides training solutions to ensure safe, reliable and economically efficient operations on all Airbus aircraft throughout their lifecycle. The aircraft manufacturer is also on-hand to offer support every step of the way with a comprehensive and tailored training portfolio designed and developed by Airbus for Vietjet’s pilots, cadets, cabin crews, performance and operations engineers, maintenance personnel and structure and repair specialists. -- VNS