Vietjet will convert its existing order for 42 A320neo to the superior and larger A321neo, bringing to a total of 73 A321neo and 11 A321ceo on order for future delivery. The agreement was signed recently by Vietjet President and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft.
The first A321neo “new engine option”, registered as VN-646, has also arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Hamburg recently, marking a major milestone for Vietjet as it has become the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines.
Fitted out with 230 comfy leather-covered seats and high-quality carpeting, the first five rows of Vietjet’s spacious new A321neo have been especially designed to accommodate passengers flying Skyboss, the airline’s premium service. The aircraft’s interior also features a unique color-changing LED light system and striking décor to create a comfortable and refreshing ambience throughout the whole cabin.
The brand new A321neo incorporates the latest in engine design, advanced aerodynamics and cabin innovations. According to the aircraft manufacturer, its GTF engines offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption — at least 16 percent from day one and 20 percent by 2020 — as well 75% reduction in noise and 50% in emissions.
The A321neo is also the 17th aircraft Vietjet has received in 2017 alone, increasing its total fleet to 55. The new aircraft has begun operating on domestic and international routes to and from Vietnam as of January 2018.
“We are proud when a dynamic airline like Vietjet endorses our products,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft. “The A321neo combines higher capacity with the lowest operating costs in its class, offering unbeatable efficiency. This aircraft will be a real asset in Vietjet’s expansion plans in such a fast-growing market. We look forward to seeing the A321neo flying in Vietjet colours.”
“The A320 family aircraft has greatly contributed to Vietjet’s impressive operation performances with the airline’s technical reliability rate standing at 99.6% in 2017. The aircraft have also helped us maintain some of the lowest operating costs in the airline world,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet President and CEO. “The upgraded A321neo deal once again emphazises Vietjet’s ceaseless efforts to modernize our fleet. We believe that the technical reliability rate and other operation and safety indexes will continue to go up in order to bring maximum comfort, joy and safety to our valued passengers.”
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle product line and comprises four models (A318, A319, A320, A321) seating from 100 to 240 seats. With more than 5,300 orders received from 95 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.
