Vietjet Expands Global Reach with Airbus A330-900 Order

Vietjet, Vietnam's largest private airline, has ordered 20 new Airbus A330-900 widebody planes to expand its global reach. The contract was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Wouter van Wersch, president of Airbus. The move is expected to boost Vietjet's capacity and enable it to fly longer routes.

Vietnam's largest private airline, Vietjet, has placed an order for 20 Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft to support its strategic expansion over the next decade. The agreement, signed in Hanoi on May 26, 2025, by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Wouter van Wersch, President of Airbus, aims to bolster Vietjet's capacity and enable it to fly longer routes.

The new contract doubles Vietjet's firm orders for the A330neo to 40 aircraft, in addition to its existing 96 A320neo Family single aisle aircraft on order. Currently, Vietjet operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising 115 single aisle A320 Family aircraft and seven A330-300s [1].

The A330-900, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, offers a range of 7,200 nautical miles (nm) / 13,300 kilometers (km) non-stop, making it ideal for long-haul flights. The aircraft features Airbus' award-winning Airspace cabin, which provides a unique passenger experience with enhanced comfort and design [1].

Vietjet's expansion plans include increasing flights on high-capacity routes across the Asia-Pacific region and introducing new long-haul services to Europe. The move reflects Vietjet's commitment to delivering greater connectivity and sustainable air travel for millions of passengers worldwide [1].

The order comes at a critical moment for global aviation, with geopolitical tensions and trade wars disrupting supply chains and impacting airline costs. US President Donald Trump's latest 50% tariff threat on EU goods, now delayed to July 9, adds another layer of uncertainty for carriers relying on European aircraft manufacturers [2].

While Vietjet's legal and financial troubles may pose challenges to its expansion trajectory, the airline remains committed to its long-term investment in a modern, environmentally responsible fleet. The carrier's current legal dispute with FW Aviation, stemming from unpaid lease payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, could impact its financial stability and future capital access [2].

In conclusion, Vietjet's order for 20 Airbus A330-900 widebodies represents a significant step in its global expansion plans. The airline's ability to navigate its legal and financial challenges will be crucial in determining the success of these ambitious plans.

References:
[1] https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-05-vietjet-orders-20-more-a330neo-widebodies-for-future-expansion
[2] https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/vietjet-doubles-airbus-a330neo-order-amid-expansion-plans-and-legal-challenges-1748242739676