A320 Family acquisition for VietJetAir

The growing importance of low-cost carriers in Asia-Pacific – and the A320 Family’s advantages in meeting their needs – was underscored with Singapore Airshow announcement by VietJetAir for more than 100 jetliners in both the current engine option (CEO) and new engine option (NEO) versions.

Vice Chairwoman and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said the fleet of A320 aircraft currently operated by this Vietnam-based carrier already has contributed to significant operational cost savings for the young airline, and has become a preferred choice for passengers. VietJetAir was formed in 2011 and is the first private Vietnamese airline to operate domestic and international flights.

At a standing-room-only Singapore Airshow press conference, VietJetAir signed a purchase agreement for 42 A320neo, 14 A320ceo and seven A321ceo jetliners, plus 30 additional purchase rights. Eight more A320 Family aircraft will be leased from third-party lessors.

Dr. Dinh Viet Phuong, the airline’s Vice President – Business Development, explained that VietJetAir had captured a 26.2 percent domestic market share by the end of 2013, and became profitable in its second year of operation – serving 16 domestic routes and four international destinations with load factors of over 90 percent.