Vietjet has announced that it expects to receive up to 22 new aircraft during this year’s Christmas period, marking the carrier’s largest fleet expansion to date.
On Thursday (December 4), Vietjet confirmed that it has taken delivery of its first A321neo ACF aircraft, a flexible configuration of the Airbus narrowbody jet.
The Airbus Cabin Flex variant of the A321neo includes fuselage and exit door modifications that provide greater capacity of up to 244 passengers.
In addition, Vietjet's Vietnam unit is expecting to receive six other new-generation Airbus aircraft, while Vietjet Thailand is expecting to receive nine Boeing aircraft.
Four wet lease aircraft will be delivered to cover increased demand during the peak periods, while two COMAC aircraft will be delivered to serve the Con Dao archipelago in the south of Vietnam.
The return of the COMAC aircraft was first reported by Airline Economics after a person familiar with the matter confirmed in mid-November the airline was in the final stages of entering a renewed wet leasing deal with Chengdu Airlines for two C909 aircraft. The person said the COMAC jets were expected to return to the airline's fleet that month.
“In a global context of aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains, Vietjet’s ability to receive 22 modern aircraft in less than one month strongly affirms its reputation, solid financial capacity, and standing in the international market,” the company said.
“This milestone continues to mark Vietjet as a pioneering airline in the region, steadfast on the journey of connecting the sky, and being a bridge for growth between countries.”