Vietnam Airlines places provisional order with Airbus for five Airbus A350-900s

Vietnam Airlines has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to purchase five A350-900 aircraft, according to the carrier's announcement on Friday. These planes are set to arrive between 2033 and 2034, although the deal's monetary value remains undisclosed.

The airline has identified the acquisition of 30 widebody aircraft after 2030 as a key strategic priority in its fleet development plan. This agreement is part of a series of deals signed between Vietnam and France during Vietnamese President To Lam's visit to Paris for the International Space Summit. According to Benoit de Saint-Exupery, an Airbus executive vice president of sales for commercial aircraft, the A350-900's long-haul capabilities and operational efficiency are well-suited to support Vietnam Airlines' plans for expanding its international network in the coming years.

During Lam's visit, France and Vietnam were reportedly close to finalizing a deal for three NH90 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. Other agreements inked during the visit included a letter of intent between Vietravel Airlines and Airbus for the procurement of 20 A220 aircraft and 30 A321 jets, with deliveries slated to commence in 2029.