Vietravel Airlines reaches agreement for 50 Airbus aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029
Vietravel Airlines, a member of T&T Group, and Airbus formally exchanged an agreement for the purchase of 50 new-generation aircraft at the Élysée Palace in Paris on 10 September, in the presence of General Secretary and State President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron. The planned acquisition will support the Vietnamese airline’s fleet expansion and increase its operating capacity.
The ceremony formed part of General Secretary and State President To Lam’s official visit to France and attendance at the Space Summit from 10 to 12 September. He was accompanied by his wife and a high-level Vietnamese delegation.
The planned purchase comprises 20 A220s and 30 A321-family aircraft, expected to include A321neo and A321XLR variants, to support the airline’s medium- and long-term development strategy. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029.
The combination of A220 and A321 aircraft reflects Vietravel Airlines’ long-term network strategy. The A220 will play a strategic role in opening new markets, enabling the airline to pioneer non-stop services to cities and regions that currently lack scheduled direct connections or have limited access to air transport. Its capacity will allow the airline to develop demand in these markets gradually, while the A321 will cater for busier routes and support expansion into longer international services.
The A220 is a latest-generation single-aisle commercial aircraft developed by Airbus from a clean-sheet design for the market segment of up to 160 seats. It combines optimised aerodynamics, advanced materials and new-generation engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat by approximately 25% compared with previous-generation aircraft. This improves operating efficiency, reduces environmental impact and supports the aviation industry’s shift towards more sustainable growth.
Inside, the A220 offers a 2–3 seating configuration with fewer middle seats, along with wide seats, large windows and generous overhead storage for its class. The cabin is designed to make journeys more comfortable and convenient, while a range of approximately 6,300–6,700 kilometres, depending on the variant, opens up opportunities for more non-stop routes, cutting travel times and reducing the need for connections.
Mr. Do Quang Hien, Founder and Executive Chairman of T&T Group , along with Mr. Do Vinh Quang, Vice Chairman of T&T Group and Chairman of Vietravel Airlines, and Mr. Wouter van Wersch, Chairman of Airbus International, signed a cooperation agreement to purchase 50 next-generation aircraft.
More broadly, new air links will improve access between markets, shorten journeys and facilitate the movement of passengers and goods. The new fleet will therefore strengthen operating efficiency and market connectivity while supporting trade, tourism, investment and socioeconomic development at the destinations served.
The A321neo, meanwhile, can accommodate up to around 240 passengers, depending on configuration, and has a maximum range of approximately 7,400 kilometres. The A321XLR offers a range of around 8,700 kilometres. The A321 family is suited to routes with strong demand and provides scope to develop longer international services. With its planned fleet, Vietravel Airlines aims to gradually extend its international reach across Asia, including South and Central Asia, and into selected Middle Eastern markets, in line with its aircraft capabilities and strategy for developing new connections.
The continuous addition of new aircraft is a strategic move by Vietravel Airlines to enhance its operational capacity and better meet the travel needs of passengers during a period of strong recovery in the aviation market.
The plan to add 50 Airbus aircraft marks the next stage in Vietravel Airlines’ transformation since it joined the T&T Group ecosystem in late 2024. Having strengthened its resources and begun increasing the proportion of aircraft it owns, starting with its first owned Airbus A321 in June 2025, the airline is now moving into a phase of long-term fleet planning, network expansion and greater operational flexibility.
Vietravel Airlines is developing a domestic network connecting major business and tourism centres while expanding internationally through scheduled services to Bangkok, Thailand, and Shenzhen, China. With further aircraft additions planned for the second half of 2026, the airline expects to increase operations to around 80–90 flights a day while adding more domestic and international destinations.
Vietravel Airlines is gradually expanding its domestic and international flight network.
Within the infrastructure, logistics and aviation ecosystem that T&T Group is building, Vietravel Airlines forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen links between economic centres and destinations. Shared resources and connections across infrastructure, logistics and services give the airline room to develop its passenger and cargo businesses and build a foundation for long-term growth beyond fleet expansion alone.
Airbus is one of the world’s leading aerospace groups and commercial aircraft manufacturers, with a global customer base and a portfolio spanning new-generation single-aisle and widebody aircraft.
