VietJet Doubles A330neo Order to Expand European Network

Key Takeaways

• On May 26, 2025, Vietjet ordered 20 more Airbus A330-900neo, doubling its fleet to 40 widebody jets.
• New A330-900neo jets enable direct Vietnam-Europe flights and expand Asia-Pacific connections starting late 2025.
• A330-900neo offers 12% better fuel efficiency, Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and enhanced passenger comfort.

On May 26, 2025, Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, made a major announcement in Hanoi. The airline signed an order for 20 more Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, doubling its total commitment to 40 of these widebody jets. The signing ceremony was a high-profile event, attended by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Airbus International President Wouter van Wersch, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. This deal is not just about buying planes—it’s a sign of Vietjet’s growing ambitions to connect Vietnam 🇻🇳 with Europe and the wider world, while also strengthening ties between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and France 🇫🇷.

Let’s break down what this order means for Vietjet, its passengers, the aviation industry, and the future of travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe.

Vietjet’s Big Move: What Happened and Why It Matters

Vietjet’s decision to buy 20 more Airbus A330-900neo aircraft is a bold step. This move brings its total A330neo order to 40 planes, making it one of the largest customers for this aircraft type in Southeast Asia. The airline already operates 115 A320-family jets and 7 older A330-300s, but this new order signals a shift toward longer flights and bigger ambitions.

Why is this important?
– Expanding to Europe: Vietjet wants to launch direct and one-stop flights from Vietnam 🇻🇳 to Europe, including destinations like the Czech Republic 🇨🇿, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, and the UK 🇬🇧.
– Boosting Asia-Pacific Routes: The new planes will also help Vietjet add more flights within Asia-Pacific, meeting growing demand for travel in the region.
– Modernizing the Fleet: The A330-900neo is more fuel-efficient and comfortable than older models, helping Vietjet save money and offer a better experience to passengers.
– Supporting Sustainability: The new aircraft use less fuel, which means fewer emissions and a smaller impact on the environment.

Key Details of the Vietjet-Airbus Deal

• Order Date: May 26, 2025
• Number of Aircraft: 20 additional Airbus A330-900neo (total of 40 on order)
• Current Fleet: 115 A320-family aircraft, 7 A330-300s
• Aircraft Range: 13,300 km (7,200 nautical miles)
• Engine Type: Rolls-Royce Trent 7000
• Passenger Experience: Airspace cabin with more space, bigger bins, better lighting, and modern entertainment
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 12% less fuel burn compared to older models

Who are the main players?
– Vietjet: The airline making the purchase and planning new routes
– Airbus: The manufacturer supplying the A330-900neo
– Vietnamese and French Governments: Both support the deal, seeing it as a sign of strong international cooperation

How the Airbus A330-900neo Will Change Vietjet’s Network

The Airbus A330-900neo is a modern, long-range aircraft. With a range of 13,300 km, it can easily fly from Vietnam 🇻🇳 to most major cities in Europe without stopping. This means Vietjet can offer direct flights to places like Paris, Frankfurt, London, and Prague, making travel easier for both Vietnamese and European passengers.

Step-by-Step: How Vietjet Will Use the New Planes

1. Fleet Growth: Vietjet will receive the new A330-900neo aircraft over the next decade, allowing for steady expansion.
2. Route Planning: The airline will use these planes for both new and existing long-haul routes, focusing first on Europe and busy Asia-Pacific destinations.
3. Regulatory Approvals: To fly to new countries, Vietjet must get permits and meet safety and operational standards set by each country’s aviation authorities. For example, to fly to the United States 🇺🇸, the airline would need approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
4. Operational Rollout: As each new plane arrives, Vietjet will slowly retire older A330-300s and launch new services. The first European flights are expected by late 2025.
5. Marketing and Sales: Vietjet will promote its new routes and improved passenger experience, highlighting the comfort and efficiency of the A330-900neo.

What Makes the Airbus A330-900neo Special?

The Airbus A330-900neo is the latest version of the A330 family, which has received over 1,800 orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. The “neo” stands for “new engine option,” and this model uses the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, which is quieter and more efficient than older engines.

Key Features:
– Fuel Savings: Uses up to 12% less fuel per flight, helping airlines save money and reduce emissions.
– Long Range: Can fly up to 13,300 km, making it perfect for long-haul routes.
– Passenger Comfort: The Airspace cabin design offers more personal space, larger overhead bins, advanced lighting, and the latest in-flight entertainment systems.
– Sustainability: Lower fuel use means a smaller carbon footprint, supporting airlines’ environmental goals.

Stakeholder Perspectives: What Leaders Are Saying

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet Chairwoman:

“Modern Airbus aircraft, with the latest levels of efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have accompanied Vietjet’s growth and will continue to support our global flight network expansion.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales:

“Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, bringing low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality. We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong:
Both leaders attended the signing ceremony, showing the importance of this deal for international relations and trade.

Why This Matters for Passengers and the Travel Industry

For Passengers:
– More Choices: Direct flights between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe mean less travel time and more convenience.
– Better Comfort: The new planes offer more space, better lighting, and improved entertainment.
– Lower Fares: Vietjet’s low-cost model could make long-haul travel more affordable.

For the Aviation Industry:
– Competitive Pressure: Vietjet’s expansion puts pressure on other airlines to improve their services and prices.
– Growth in Asia-Pacific: The region is expected to need 19,500 new aircraft by 2043, and Vietjet’s order is part of this larger trend.
– Validation for Airbus: The deal is a strong endorsement of the A330neo, especially as airlines look for efficient, long-range jets.

For Governments and Diplomacy:
– Stronger Ties: The deal strengthens economic and political connections between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and France 🇫🇷.
– Showcase for Vietnam 🇻🇳: The order highlights Vietnam’s growing role in global aviation.

Background: How Vietjet Became a Major Player

Vietjet was founded in 2007 and quickly became Vietnam’s largest private airline. It is known for its low-cost fares and rapid growth. The airline started with short domestic flights but soon expanded to international routes across Asia. In recent years, Vietjet has launched long-haul flights to Australia 🇦🇺, India 🇮🇳, and Kazakhstan 🇰🇿, and now it is setting its sights on Europe and possibly the United States 🇺🇸.

Previous Orders:
– In 2024, Vietjet ordered its first 20 A330-900neo aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow.
– The latest order doubles its commitment, showing confidence in the future of long-haul travel.

What’s Next for Vietjet and Its Passengers?

European Launch:
Vietjet plans to start flying to Europe by the end of 2025, with possible destinations including the Czech Republic 🇨🇿, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, and the UK 🇬🇧. These flights will make it easier for people to travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe for business, tourism, and family visits.

U.S. Expansion:
Vietjet is also looking at routes to the United States 🇺🇸, but it has not yet applied for the necessary permits. Flying to the U.S. would require approval from American authorities and meeting strict safety and operational standards. For more information on how airlines get permission to fly to the United States 🇺🇸, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Foreign Air Carrier Permit page.

Fleet Delivery:
The 40 A330-900neo aircraft will be delivered over the next ten years, allowing Vietjet to grow its network steadily and replace older planes.

Sustainability Initiatives:
The new aircraft will help Vietjet meet stricter environmental rules and reduce its carbon footprint, which is important as governments and passengers pay more attention to climate change.

Implications for Immigration and Global Mobility

Vietjet’s expansion with the Airbus A330-900neo will have a real impact on immigration and travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe. Here’s how:

• Easier Family Reunification: More direct flights mean families separated by distance can visit each other more often and with less hassle.
• Business and Study Opportunities: Vietnamese students and professionals will have more options to travel to Europe for work or study, and vice versa.
• Tourism Growth: Easier travel can boost tourism in both directions, helping local economies and creating jobs.
• Support for Vietnamese Diaspora: Many Vietnamese people live in Europe, especially in countries like France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, and the Czech Republic 🇨🇿. More flights make it easier for them to stay connected with their homeland.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Vietjet’s move to double its A330neo order is expected to make travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe more accessible and affordable, which could lead to increased migration, tourism, and business exchanges.

Challenges and Considerations

While the new aircraft and routes bring many benefits, there are also challenges:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Vietjet must get approval from aviation authorities in each country it wants to serve. This process can be complex and time-consuming.
• Competition: Other airlines, including national carriers and established low-cost airlines, will compete for the same passengers.
• Operational Readiness: Vietjet will need to train more pilots and crew, set up support services in new countries, and ensure it can maintain high safety standards.

Summary Table: Vietjet’s A330neo Expansion

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• For Travelers: Watch for new Vietjet routes to Europe starting in late 2025. These flights could offer lower fares and more direct options between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and major European cities.
• For Students and Workers: More flights mean easier access to study and job opportunities abroad. Check Vietjet’s website for updates on new destinations.
• For Businesses: The expanded network can help companies move goods and people more efficiently between Vietnam 🇻🇳, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
• For Immigration Stakeholders: Increased air connectivity often leads to more migration and cultural exchange. Stay informed about new routes and visa requirements for travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe.

For the latest updates on Vietjet’s fleet and route expansion, visit the official Vietjet website. For information on international air carrier permits and regulations, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides detailed guidance.

Vietjet’s order for 20 more Airbus A330-900neo aircraft marks a turning point for the airline and for air travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Europe. With a modern, efficient fleet and a clear focus on long-haul expansion, Vietjet is set to become a key player in connecting people, businesses, and cultures across continents. As the airline prepares to launch new routes and welcome more passengers, the future of travel between Vietnam 🇻🇳, Europe, and beyond looks brighter—and more accessible—than ever.

Learn Today

Airbus A330-900neo → A modern widebody aircraft with new engines offering long-range and fuel-efficient flights.
Widebody Jet → Aircraft with a large fuselage to accommodate two passenger aisles for long-haul flights.
Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 → Advanced turbofan engine powering the A330-900neo for improved efficiency and quieter performance.
Fuel Efficiency → A measure of how effectively an aircraft uses fuel, impacting costs and environmental footprint.
Direct Flights → Nonstop flights between two destinations without intermediate stopovers, reducing travel time.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietjet doubled its Airbus A330neo order to 40 aircraft on May 26, 2025, aiming for new Europe routes and sustainable growth. The modern jets will boost long-haul travel with fuel efficiency and comfort, strengthening ties between Vietnam and Europe while expanding Asia-Pacific connectivity.
— By VisaVerge.com