Vietnam Airlines is reviving expansion plans as business picks up following the containment of the SARS virus, with several new routes and the lease of additional aircraft.
The carrier is seeking to lease an Airbus A321, an ATR 72 and two Boeing 777-200ERs. It wants the aircraft on long-term dry leases, for delivery in October this year and October 2004.
Vietnam Airlines' fleet comprises 10 A320s, three A321s, eight ATR 72s, seven 767-300ERs, two 777-200ERs and two Fokker 70s. On order are another five A321s and four 777-200ERs.
The carrier put expansion plans on hold during the downturn caused by the SARS outbreak, but with demand increasing it plans to launch new routes this year to Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. It also hopes to launch services to Frankfurt in Germany, and is considering launching services to North America and the UK.
Source: Flight International
