Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330neo widebodies.

The announcement was made on February 22, 2024 at the Singapore Airshow during a signing ceremony.

Once finalized, this will be Vietjet’s first-ever widebody order. The aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s growing long-range network, as well as on high capacity regional services. It will replace the carrier’s current fleet of leased A330-300.

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space for passengers, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity systems.

“The new A330neo aircraft is a strategic addition to comprehensively modernize Vietjet’s fleet, enhancing operational capabilities to support our global flight network expansion plan. Its fuel-efficient new-generation design aligns with our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050,” Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong said during the ceremony. 

“With the introduction of the A330neo, passengers can look forward to longer-range, well-equipped flights with excellent services at more competitive fares,” Phuong added, noting that the airline intends to expand to the United States and Europe with the new aircraft order.

“We are excited to work with Vietjet on the next phase of the carrier’s expansion.The A330neo will enable the airline to achieve the lowest possible operating costs per seat and to continue to offer its customers the best possible value wherever they fly,” Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus, said.

“It will also be the perfect complement to the A321XLRs already on order with the airline, as it spreads its wings to more far flung destinations,” Scherer continued.