Vietnam Airlines and Airbus Sign MoU for Five A350-900s, Advancing Long-Term Fleet Expansion

During the official visit to the French Republic by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, Vietnam Airlines and Airbus exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the proposed sale of five Airbus A350-900 aircraft to Vietnam Airlines, with deliveries expected in 2033–2034.

The agreement marks an important milestone in Vietnam–France aviation cooperation and supports Vietnam Airlines’ long-term strategy to strengthen its long-haul operating capabilities beyond 2030. Under the MoU, the two parties will conduct further studies and assessments and work to finalize the relevant terms, paving the way for investment and procurement procedures in accordance with applicable regulations.

Vietnam Airlines has identified the acquisition of 30 widebody aircraft beyond 2030 as a strategic priority in its fleet development plan. The investment is intended to support the rapid growth of international travel demand, expand the airline’s capacity to serve medium- and long-haul routes, and further strengthen the competitiveness of Vietnam’s national flag carrier.

Building a widebody fleet of this scale is a multi-year undertaking, encompassing aircraft selection, financial planning, negotiations with manufacturers, aircraft delivery, crew training, and maintenance preparations. With airlines stepping up fleet investment as the industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, early planning will enable Vietnam Airlines to take a more proactive approach to securing aircraft and preparing the resources required for future growth.

Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said: “For medium- and long-haul international routes, product quality, operational efficiency, and fleet reliability are critical to our success. The MoU with Airbus provides a solid foundation for the two sides to continue evaluating suitable cooperation options and will help Vietnam Airlines strengthen its readiness for growth and competition in the years ahead.”

The Airbus A350 is one of the world’s most successful new-generation widebody aircraft, with more than 730 aircraft currently in service with airlines worldwide. Its long range, fuel efficiency, and modern cabin design have made it a popular choice among airlines operating long-haul routes.

Vietnam Airlines has maintained a long-standing partnership with Airbus across a range of areas, including aircraft maintenance and operational management. The airline currently operates 81 Airbus aircraft, comprising 67 A320 and A321 aircraft and 14 A350s. Vietnam Airlines became the second airline in the world to operate the Airbus A350-900, introducing the aircraft into commercial service in 2015. The A350 now plays an important role in the airline’s long-haul international operations. Evaluating additional A350-900 aircraft would enable Vietnam Airlines to maintain a high degree of fleet commonality, supporting greater efficiency in operations, crew training, engineering, and maintenance.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “Vietnam Airlines is a long-standing and important partner of Airbus in Vietnam. We are honoured and grateful that Vietnam Airlines has decided to add new aircraft to its existing A350 fleet. We believe that the A350-900, with its long-haul capabilities and operational efficiency, can support Vietnam Airlines’ plans to expand its international network in the years ahead. Airbus looks forward to continuing to support Vietnam Airlines as it develops and modernises its fleet.”

To address its near-term requirements, Vietnam Airlines will continue to lease additional aircraft suited to international operations, supporting the strong recovery in travel demand and international connectivity. This approach will give the airline greater flexibility in managing its fleet and resources, while enhancing product quality and maintaining a stable flight schedule alongside its long-term fleet investment strategy.