Vietjet has become the first airline in south-east Asia to take delivery of an A321neo (new engine option).
The first plane arrived at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Hamburg, Germany, earlier.
The A321neo aircraft, registered as VN-646, is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation of GTF engines.
Fitted with 230 leather-covered seats and high-quality carpeting, the first five rows of Vietjet’s new A321neo aircraft is specially designed to accommodate passengers flying with Skyboss, the airline’s premium service.
The aircraft’s interior also features a unique colour-changing LED light system and striking décor to create a comfortable and refreshing ambience throughout the whole cabin.
“The A320 family aircraft has greatly contributed to Vietjet’s impressive operation performances with the airline’s technical reliability rate standing at 99.6 per cent in 2017.
“The aircraft has also helped us maintain some of the lowest operating costs in the aviation industry,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet president.
“The upgraded A321neo deal once again emphasises Vietjet’s ceaseless efforts to modernise our fleet.
“We believe that the technical reliability rate and other operation and safety indexes will continue to go up in order to bring maximum comfort, joy and safety to our valued passengers.”
The brand new A321neo aircraft incorporates the latest engine design, advanced aerodynamics and cabin innovations.
According to the aircraft manufacturer, its GTF engines offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption — at least 16 per cent from day one and 20 per cent by 2020 — as well 75 per cent reduction in noise and 50 per cent in emissions.
The engines were first introduced by Pratt & Whitney in 2016.
Vietjet is one of the very first airlines in the world to incorporate these engines in its aircraft.
The new aircraft will begin operating on domestic and international routes to and from Vietnam later this month.
Upon receiving the aircraft, Vietjet also announced its decision to upgrade an existing order for 42 A320neo aircrafts to the superior and larger A321neo models.
Accordingly, the airline now has a total of 73 A321neo and 11 A321ceo on order for future delivery.
“We are proud when a dynamic airline like Vietjet endorses our products,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus chief operating officer.
“The A321neo combines higher capacity with the lowest operating costs in its class, offering unbeatable efficiency.
“This aircraft will be a real asset in Vietjet’s expansion plans in such a competitive market.
“We look forward to seeing the A321neo flying in Vietjet colours.”
More Information
Take a look at a series of images from the delivery party here.