Vietjet introduces first A321neo “new-engine option” aircraft to Southeast Asia

** Airline converts order for 42 A320neo to larger A321neo **

(Ho Chi Minh City, January 2, 2017) – The new-age carrier Vietjet has become the first airline in Southeast Asia to take delivery of an A321neo (new engine option) after the Airbus aircraft landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Hamburg (Germany). The A321neo, registered as VN-646, is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines.

Fitted out with 230 comfy leather-covered seats and high-quality carpeting,the first five rows of Vietjet’s spacious new A321neo have been especially designed to accommodate passengers flying Skyboss, the airline’s premium service. The aircraft’s interior also features a unique color-changing LED light system and striking décor to create a comfortable and refreshing ambience through the whole cabin.

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 — at least 16 percent from day one and 20 percent by 2020 — as well 75% reduction in noise and 50% inemissions. The engines were first introduced by Pratt & Whitney in 2016. Vietjet is one of the very first airlines in the world to incorporate the engines to its aircraft. The A321neo is also the 17th aircraft delivered to Vietjet from Airbus in 2017.

The new aircraft will begin operating on domestic and international routes to and from Vietnam in January 2018. On receiving the aircraft, Vietjet also announced its decision to upgrade an existing order for 42 A320neo aircraft to the superior, and larger, A321neo models. Accordingly, the airline now has a total of 73 A321neo and 11 A321ceo on order for future delivery.

“We are proud when a dynamic airline like Vietjet endorses our products,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft. “The A321neo combines higher capacity with the lowest operating costs in its class, offering unbeatable efficiency. This aircraft will be a real asset in Vietjet’s expansion plans in such a competitive market. We look forward to seeing the A321neo flying in Vietjet colours.”

“The A320 family aircraft has greatly contributed to Vietjet’s impressive operation performances with the airline’s technical reliability rate standing at 99.6% in 2017. The aircraft have also helped us maintain some of the lowest operating costs in the airline world,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet President and CEO. “The upgraded A321neo deal once again emphazises Vietjet's ceaseless efforts to modernize our fleet. We believe that the technical reliability rate and other operation and safety indexes will continue to go up in order to bring maximum comfort, joy and safety to our valued passengers.”

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle product line and comprises four models (A318, A319, A320, A321) seating from 100 to 240 seats. With more than 5,300 orders received from 95 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo family has captured some 60 percent share of the market..