Vietnamese carrier Vietjet is considering placing a large order with Airbus for the A321neo aircraft, according to a person familiar with the matter. The order could potentially be around or over 100 aircraft, though discussions with Airbus are still ongoing.
Vietjet already has a significant backlog with Airbus, including the A321neo. However, with Airbus’ delivery slots pushing further back, the order would allow Vietjet to secure delivery slots for around 2031.
An agreement is expected to be signed in May – coinciding with French president Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to the country.
Vietjet has been contacted for comment. Airbus declined to comment.
The airline announced on April 9 that it will begin taking delivery this year of the first batch of 737 MAX aircraft from its order of 200 aircraft. The deal – valued at over $24bn – was first signed in 2016 and then revised in 2019. The airline said it is currently in discussions with Boeing to further expand this 737 MAX order.
The company also signed a $300 million finance agreement with AV AirFinance the same day. The agreement is part of a broader series of aircraft financing deals totalling over $4bn that Vietjet has secured with US financial institutions.
VietJet said in a press release that it expects to receive nearly 300 aircraft between 2025 and 2027.