Vietnam Airlines wants delivery of its just-ordered 16 Airbus A321s "as soon as possible", according to a distinctly upbeat Pham Ngoc Minh, the carrier's president and chief executive, who signed the formal order for the aircraft in a ceremony at the Paris air show.

Vietnam also signed a memorandum of understanding for two more A350-900XWBs, but dates for the delivery slots have not yet been agreed.

The A321 order will increase the total of the type due for delivery to Vietnam to 41 aircraft, of which 14 have been delivered so far. The A350 MoU, if it becomes a firm order, will add to the 10 ordered in December 2007.

Pham Ngoc Minh said at the signing ceremony: "Our new order for the A321 reflects the success we have achieved with the aircraft on both our regional and domestic route networks. In the widebody category, we firmly believe that the A350 XWB will set new standards of efficiency and passenger comfort, making it the right choice to develop our intercontinental route network."

Airbus' president and chief executive Tom Enders said: "Vietnam will remain one of the key growth markets in Asia in the coming years."

Asked when the first of the newly ordered A321s would begin delivery, Pham Ngoc Minh said this was still being negotiated, but the airline wants them "as soon as possible".

Source: Flight Daily News

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