Vietnam Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for five additional A350-900 aircraft as the airline begins preparations for a broader widebody fleet expansion beyond 2030.
The proposed aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2033 and 2034. The agreement remains subject to further evaluation, negotiations and the necessary investment and procurement approvals.
Vietnam Airlines currently operates 14 A350-900s and was the second airline globally to introduce the aircraft into commercial service in 2015. The addition of further A350s would allow the carrier to build on existing fleet commonality across flight operations, crew training, engineering and maintenance as it expands its long-haul network.
The five-aircraft MoU forms part of the airline’s longer-term plan to acquire 30 widebody aircraft after 2030. Vietnam Airlines expects growing international passenger demand to drive the need for additional medium- and long-haul capacity over the coming years.
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The airline currently operates 81 Airbus aircraft, comprising 67 A320 and A321 family aircraft and 14 A350s.
For its nearer-term capacity requirements, Vietnam Airlines plans to rely on leased aircraft while preparing for longer-term fleet investments. Securing aircraft commitments early is intended to give the airline sufficient lead time for financing, crew training, maintenance planning, and other operational preparations associated with fleet expansion.
The MoU was exchanged in Paris on September 10 during an official Vietnamese government visit to France. The agreement represents an initial step in Vietnam Airlines’ strategy to strengthen its widebody fleet and support the expansion of its international network beyond 2030.
