Vietnam Airlines is about to start negotiating its first direct purchase from Airbus as part of a 10-year fleet expansion.
The state-owned carrier says it has decided to purchase five A320-family aircraft and is "inviting" Airbus to enter into negotiations. Vietnam Airlines operates ten leased A320s and is adding two leased A321s. In May it received backing from the country's prime minister for the first five years of a 10-year expansion plan that should see its fleet doubling to 46.
The first stage will see 12 aircraft added by 2005 - three ATR 72s ordered in January, five narrowbody aircraft and four widebodies.
The carrier is expected to order the Boeing 777 to meet its widebody needs following signing a letter of intent for three 777s last year.
Source: Flight International
