Vietnam Airlines Signs MoU for Five A350-900s as It Plans Post-2030 Widebody Expansion

Vietnam Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus covering five additional A350-900s, taking an initial step toward a broader plan to acquire 30 widebody aircraft for growth beyond 2030.

The proposed A350s are expected to be delivered in 2033 and 2034. The agreement remains subject to further evaluation, negotiations and the airline’s required investment and procurement approvals.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates 14 A350s and was the second airline globally to introduce the A350-900 into commercial service, beginning operations with the type in 2015. Adding more A350s would provide fleet commonality across flight operations, crew training, engineering and maintenance as the carrier expands its long-haul network.

The five-aircraft agreement represents only part of Vietnam Airlines’ longer-term widebody requirement. The carrier has identified the acquisition of 30 aircraft after 2030 as a strategic fleet priority as it prepares for increased international passenger demand and additional medium- and long-haul capacity.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates 81 Airbus aircraft, including 67 A320 and A321 Family narrowbodies and 14 A350s.

The carrier plans to use leased aircraft to address nearer-term international capacity requirements while preparing for its longer-term owned fleet investments. Early commitments are intended to secure delivery positions and provide sufficient time for financing, training, maintenance and other preparations associated with the planned widebody expansion.

The MoU was exchanged in Paris on September 10 during an official Vietnamese government visit to France.