Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
VIETNAM AIRLINES IS negotiating for the supply of new Western-built 150-seat passenger aircraft to replace its Airbus Industrie A320s wet-leased from Air France.
The carrier operates seven A320s, three of which are due to be returned to owner Air France by the end of 1995. Replacement aircraft under consideration consist of additional A320s, Boeing 737s and McDonnell Douglas MD-90s.
Vietnam Airlines has asked for a medium-range aircraft with a basic configuration of 150 seats. The company says that this may later be increased to up to 180 seats, or reduced to 130 seats, suggesting a long-term requirement for a family of narrow-body aircraft.
Continuing negotiations are understood to centre on financing for the new aircraft, with Air Vietnam favouring a lease-purchase arrangement. Industry sources say that a decision is needed shortly, if the replacement aircraft are to enter service before 1996.
Vietnam Airlines is constrained by its ability to train new pilots and develop its maintenance capability, however. The company is keen to reduce its dependence on large numbers of Western pilots and engineers.
Capacity in the short term, will be boosted by the delivery, of an eighth leased A320 in April and the planned addition of another aircraft, by late 1995. The carrier also intends to increase its Boeing 767 fleet to four by the end of the year, with the lease of one more aircraft.
The airline, meanwhile, is looking to acquire its first long-range wide-body aircraft in 1996 and is considering the Airbus A340, Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11.
Vietnam Airlines needs four or five long-haul aircraft, but this will depend on the company raising the necessary financing, says a senior Vietnam Airlines manager.
Source: Flight International
