Vietjet to receive 10 new Airbus aircraft by year-end amid jet shortage in Vietnam

Low-cost carrier Vietjet is expected to take delivery of 10 new-generation Airbus aircraft by the end of this year amid a shortage of airplanes in Vietnam and worldwide.

The new aircraft, primarily the latest A321neo ACF model from Airbus, are likely to arrive in the country from this month, the airline said in a statement.

In 2019, Vietjet became the first airline in the world to operate the A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex).

Vietjet boasts that the aircraft has an improved cabin design, ensuring standard seat dimensions and spacing. These aircraft also provide at least 16% fuel savings, reduce noise by up to 75%, and cut emissions by 50%.

It says this expansion aims to meet its growing demand and serve passengers on both domestic and international routes.

Vietjet has recently signed a contract to purchase 20 new-generation wide-body A330neo (A330-900) aircraft from Airbus, valued at $7.4 billion at the manufacturer’s list price.

Vietjet now has a fleet of over 100 aircraft that includes some of the most advanced models in the world, such as the A320, A321ceo, A321neo - A321neo ACF, and A330.

With 10 aircraft expected to be delivered later this year, Vietjet will continue to expand its network in Vietnam and internationally, to new destinations in Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and beyond.

Head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Dinh Viet Thang said in April that the local aviation industry was facing a critical shortage of aircraft as engine maker Pratt & Whitney recalled some A321neo operated by flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet.

As of March 31, Vietnam’s fleet comprised 205 airplanes, of which just 159 were in operation while 20 were under regular maintenance, and 26 had their engines checked and repaired at the request of the engine manufacturer.

Vietjet has recently reached a milestone of transporting 200 million passengers. It flew a total of 13.1 million passengers on 70,154 flights in H1/2024.

Vietjet earned a consolidated net profit of VND1,114 billion ($44 million) in H1/2024, up 725% year-on-year as the firm aggressively expanded its flight network. Revenues increased 15.3% year-on-year to VND34,015 billion ($1.35 billion), its quarterly financial statement shows.

Shares of Vietjet, listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange under the ticker VJC, were trading at VND99,700 ($3.97) apiece at 9:37 a.m. on Friday.