Vietnam Airlines is seeking to lease its first Airbus A330s in a move that could help the manufacturer with its long-running efforts to place A340-300s with the carrier.
Fast-growing Vietnam Airlines last week issued tender notices seeking leases on two A330-200s, as well as two more Boeing 767-300ERs and two additional Boeing 777-200ERs.
It wants deliveries of the A330s and 767s in July, and the 777s in the first quarter of next year.
Vietnam Airlines does not currently operate A330s, although it has 14 Airbus A320s and A321s, as well as another five A321s on firm order. Airbus has been trying to place long-range A340s with Viet-nam Airlines for years, and the carrier says they are being considered.
The airline is an existing operator of 767-300ERs, with seven, and 777-200ERs, with four. It has a further two 777-200ERs on order.
Vietnam Airlines is planning to expand its international network over the next two years with several new routes. It said in January that it aims to double its fleet to around 70 aircraft by 2010.
New long-haul destinations being studied include London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. Within Asia it is considering services to Jakarta in Indonesia, Mumbai and New Delhi in India, and Nagoya in Japan.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
