Vietnam Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be a launch customer for the Boeing 7E7 and plans to use the aircraft to replace its fleet of Boeing 767-300ERs. "We want to be part of it [the 7E7 launch programme]" and will begin taking delivery of 7E7s "in 2009 or 2010 depending on aircraft availability", says a senior source at the carrier.
"We have signed an MoU about participating in the launch programme and our engineers are having talks with BoeingÉ[but] a decision on the purchase has not yet been done," adds the source. The source says there is uncertainty over numbers because "so much depends on the composition of our fleet and the sources of funding", but the airline is believed to be considering 10-15 aircraft to replace its 767-300ERs and allow for growth.
Earlier this year Vietnam had seven 767-300ERs, but this has fallen to four because it returned some to lessors and has so far failed to secure replacements due to a shortage of 767-300s in the market. It also operates four 777-200ERs and has two more on order.
LEITHEN FRANCIS / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
