Vietjet improving regional rank with first A321neo in Southeast Asia

January 03, 2018 | 16:46
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With the breakingthrough decision to upgrade the order for 42 A320neo aircraft to the larger and superior A321neo models, Vietjet became the first and only airline in Southeast Asia to operate Airbus aircrafts equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines.
Leaders of Vietjet and representatives of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney at the ceremony

The happy news on New Year

Tan Son Nhat International Airport became more colourful in the first days of 2018 as the red of Vietjet’s fleet gained a richer hue after the landing of the A321neo (new engine option).

This A321neo is the first and only aircraft in Southeast Asia which is equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF jet engines. This superior engine was launched in 2016 and Vietjet became the only carrier in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to already put them in use for the benefit of its customers.

The A321neo was delivered from the Airbus factory in Hamburg (Germany)

In general, there is not much difference in the shapes of the A321neo and the A320neo, however, customers will see the difference at the first glance at the interior.

The new A321neo is the 17th aircraft that Vietjet received in 2017, increasing its total fleet to 55.

Notably, fitted out with 230 comfortable leather seats and high-quality carpeting, the first five rows of Vietjet’s spacious new A321neo have been specially designed to accommodate passengers flying Skyboss, the airline’s premium service.

The aircraft’s interior also features a unique colour-changing LED lighting system and striking décor. According to Airbus' design experts, the lighting system shines in light purple, yellow, and bright white to create a comfortable and refreshing ambience through the whole cabin.

Comfortable leather seats and high-quality carpeting in collaboration with unique colour-changing LED lighting system
and striking décor

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—20 per cent by 2020—as well as 75 per cent reduction in noise and 50 per cent in emissions.

Strategic moves behind the powerful aircrafts

With the superior advantages of the A321neo, Vietjet issued the breakthrough decision to upgrade the oder of 42 aircrafts of A320neo to A321neo. Accordingly, the airline has a total of 73 A321neo and 11 A321ceo planes on order for future delivery.

“A321 is a modern and comfortable aircraft with larger capacity and lower operating costs compared to its category. We are confident that the purchase will create a breakthrough in the effectiveness of Vietjet's operations to become even more competitive in today's fast-growing aviation market,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus chief operating officer and president of Commercial Aircraft.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, president cum CEO of Vietjet standing next to the new-generation engine of the A321neo

“The A320 aircraft family has greatly contributed to Vietjet’s impressive operation performance, with the airline’s technical reliability rate standing at 99.6 per cent in 2017 and posting the lowest operating costs,” said Dinh Viet Phuong, Vietjet vice president.

“The decision to upgrade to the new engines shows Vietjet’s efforts to modernise its fleet. We believe that the technical reliability rate and safety index will benefit in the upcoming time, to bring comfortable, safe, and friendly flights for customers,” Phuong added.

The A321neo is considered Vietjet’s new advantage to realise its global plan. Investing into the purchase of more than 200 aircraft will contribute to upgrading the carrier's position in the region, while increasing the competitive capacity of the Vietnamese aviation sector in Southeast Asia and helping Vietnam become one of the largest aviation markets in the ASEAN region.

By continuing to modernise its fleet to bring customers more comfortable flights at the lowest cost, Vietjet has reached numerous achievements in 2017 by expanding to 78 foreign and domestic routes and increasing its total pasenger count to 50 million within six short years of operation. Thanks to this, Vietjet’s position has improved impressively, both in the domestic and global aviation markets.

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By By Ngoc Oanh

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