FLC Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for up to 24 A321neo aircraft for future operation by start-up carrier Bamboo Airways.
The agreements were signed in Paris by Trinh Van Quyet, chairman of FLC Group and Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer, Airbus, during the official visit to France of Nguyễn Phú Trọng, general secretary of the central committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Bamboo Airways is set to begin operations in 2019 with aircraft on lease from third party lessors before taking delivery of the aircraft covered by today’s deal with Airbus.
The carrier will focus on linking international markets to Vietnamese leisure destinations, as well as on selected domestic routes.
“After carefully evaluating the competing products, FLC Group and Bamboo Airways have selected the A321neo as the most efficient option for our new operation,” said Trinh Van Quyet.
“The A321neo will enable us to combine comfort, efficiency and the right capacity for our planned services, which will primarily serve fast growing leisure markets in Vietnam.”
FLC Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Vietnam and is involved in a wide range of businesses including real estate development, hotels construction and management, financial services and mining.
Bamboo will in particular serve destinations where FLC group has heavily invested in the tourism infrastructure.
“We are proud that the A321neo has been selected by FLC Group,” said Schulz.
“This decision once again underscores the position of the A321 as the aircraft of choice in the mid-market segment with its additional capacity and the very lowest operating cost. Vietnam is one of the most vibrant economies in south-east Asia and we are proud to play a key role in helping to develop the air transport system in this fast-growing market.”
The A321 is the largest member of the A320 family, seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 per cent by 2020.