Aircraft will be delivered between 2033 and 2034.
Vietnam Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for a provisional order of five Airbus A350-900s, as part of wider fleet expansion plans.
Under the agreement, both Airbus and Vietnam Airlines will “conduct further studies and assessments and work to finalise the relevant terms” of the transaction, “paving the way for investment and procurement procedures in accordance with applicable regulations”.
The deal was announced on the sidelines of an official visit to France by Vietnamese president To Lam on 10 September.
When confirmed, Vietnam Airlines expects to take delivery of the aircraft between 2033 and 2034.
The SkyTeam operator is an existing operator of A350s, with a fleet of 14 -900s.
“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,” the carrier states.
Vietnam Airlines has identified the acquisition of 30 widebody aircraft by 2030 as a “strategic priority” in its fleet plans.
The carrier states: “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.”
The potential order follows an order for 50 737 Max 8s that the carrier firmed in February.
While it awaits the new aircraft to be delivered, the airline says it will continue to lease additional aircraft to shore up near-term capacity, “supporting the strong recovery in travel demand and international connectivity’.
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