Vietnam Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding for 10 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, while unit Jetstar Pacific has confirmed an order for 10 A320s.

Vietnam Airlines will use the A350s to operate non-stop flights to the USA, says Airbus in a statement.

The MOU agreement and Jetstar Pacific’s firming up of a previous MOU for the 10 A320s took place in Hanoi.

Both deals, in addition to a 20 aircraft order by low-cost carrier VietJet Air for 20 additional A321s, were presided over by Vietnamese president Tran Dai Quang, and French president Francois Hollande.

“The intention to acquire these additional aircraft reflects our excellent experience with the A350 since it entered service with Vietnam Airlines last year,” says Duong Tri Thanh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.

“With its very long range capability, economic fuel consumption and spacious cabin, the A350 is the suitable aircraft for our proposed intercontinental routes to Europe and the US. The start of non-stop transpacific services with the A350 is yet another example of the commitment we have at Vietnam Airlines to strengthen our position as one of the world’s leading international carriers.”

Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that prior to today’s MOU, Vietnam Airlines has four in-service A350-900s, firm orders for an additional 10, and letters of intent for two.

Jetstar Pacific has 15 A320 family aircraft in service. Following today’s order confirmation, it has orders for 12 A320s.

Source: Cirium Dashboard