Vietnam Airlines plans to purchase five additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, continuing the long-term expansion of its wide-body fleet.
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Civil Aviation Resource Net, September 11, 2026: On September 10, 2026, during the official visit to France by a high-level Vietnamese delegation led by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam, Vietnam Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to purchase five Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2033 and 2034.
This agreement marks a significant milestone in aviation cooperation between Vietnam and France and supports Vietnam Airlines' long-term strategy to strengthen its long-haul operational capabilities beyond 2030. Under the MoU, the parties will conduct further studies and assessments and work to finalize terms, paving the way for investment and procurement procedures that comply with applicable regulations.
Vietnam Airlines has identified the acquisition of 30 wide-body aircraft for the post-2030 period as a strategic priority in its fleet development plan. This investment aims to support the rapid growth of international travel demand, expand the airline's capacity on medium- and long-haul routes, and further enhance its competitiveness as Vietnam's national carrier.
Building a wide-body fleet of this scale is a multi-year undertaking encompassing various stages, including aircraft selection, financial planning, negotiations with manufacturers, delivery, crew training, and maintenance preparations. As the aviation industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, airlines are ramping up fleet investments; proactive planning will enable Vietnam Airlines to secure aircraft supply more effectively and ensure it is well-resourced for future growth.
Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, stated: "For medium- and long-haul international routes, product quality, operational efficiency, and fleet reliability are critical to our success. This Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus lays a solid foundation for both parties to continue evaluating suitable cooperation options and will help Vietnam Airlines prepare for growth and competition in the years ahead."
The Airbus A350 is one of the world's most successful new-generation wide-body aircraft, with over 730 currently in service with airlines globally. Its long-range capability, high fuel efficiency, and modern cabin design make it a popular choice for airlines operating long-haul routes.
Vietnam Airlines maintains a long-standing partnership with Airbus across various areas, including aircraft maintenance and operational management. The airline currently operates a fleet of 81 Airbus aircraft, comprising 67 A320/A321s and 14 A350s. Vietnam Airlines was the second airline globally to operate the A350-900, introducing the type into commercial service in 2015. The A350 plays a pivotal role in the airline's long-haul international operations. Evaluating the acquisition of additional A350-900s will help Vietnam Airlines maintain fleet commonality, thereby driving greater efficiency in operations, crew training, engineering, and maintenance.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said: "Vietnam Airlines is a key, long-standing partner for Airbus in Vietnam. We are honored and grateful for Vietnam Airlines' decision to add more aircraft to its existing A350 fleet. We are confident that the A350-900, with its long-range capabilities and operational efficiency, will support Vietnam Airlines' plans to expand its international network in the coming years. Airbus looks forward to continuing to support Vietnam Airlines' growth and fleet modernization."
To meet near-term demand, Vietnam Airlines will continue to lease additional aircraft suitable for international operations, supporting the strong recovery of travel demand and its international network. This move will provide greater flexibility in fleet and resource management while enhancing product quality and maintaining schedule stability, running in parallel with the airline's long-term fleet investment strategy.