Vietjet Air and Airbus officially signed a contract for the purchase of 100 A321neo aircraft, together with 50 additional purchase options.
The signing took place as Vietnam and the United Kingdom officially elevated their diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter of collaboration in aviation, technology, investment and sustainable development.
The announcement marks a major milestone in Vietjet’s ongoing expansion across the Asia-Pacific.
The new fleet will enhance the airline’s connectivity in the region while providing even more flight options for Aussie travellers connecting to destinations across Asia in the future.
A Symbol of Strategic Cooperation and Global Ambition
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Matt Western, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, stated: “Commercial success reflects the values we hold in common: innovation, resilience and mutual respect.
“It also opens the door to even more deeper collaboration between the United Kingdom and Vietnam in the years ahead.
“This moment will enable Vietnam to continue its trajectory of economic growth while also supporting thousands of jobs in North Wales, Derby and throughout the UK aerospace supply chain. This is a clear example of the mutual benefits that our partnership can bring.”
Above: Mr. Matt Western, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, at the signing ceremony.
Mr. Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus, remarked: “We are extremely proud and immensely respectful of Vietjet, who has consistently demonstrated ambition, courage, trust and incredible professionalism.
“Today, as we’re signing a purchase order for 100 A321s, it reflects not only the airline’s bold vision but also the remarkable development of a nation that we are truly honoured to accompany.”
For Vietnam, the contract reflects its vision of deep international integration, positioning the country as a dynamic regional aviation hub while advancing its national strategy for green and high-tech economic growth.
The agreement also delivers strong economic benefits to the United Kingdom, where key components, wings and engines for the A321neo are produced, supporting thousands of skilled jobs.
Vietnam’s Expanding Role in the Global Aviation Ecosystem
The 100-aircraft A321neo deal represents one of the largest commercial contracts in the history of Vietnam–Europe cooperation.
It reinforces Vietjet’s role in connecting Vietnam to the world and boosting bilateral trade between Asia, Europe and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
For Airbus, whose A321neo program draws heavily from design and manufacturing expertise in the UK, France, Germany and Spain, the agreement represents a continued commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Airbus has long-standing partnerships with Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, supporting local aerospace operations, pilot training and maintenance programs.
This latest order continues Vietjet’s long-term strategic collaboration with Airbus, bringing the airline’s total orders with the manufacturer to 376 aircraft.
Impact on Australia and the Asia–Pacific
Australia stands to benefit indirectly from the deal through increased regional connectivity, aviation training and tourism flows.
While the A321neo fleet will primarily strengthen the airline’s regional network, it will also enable more seamless connections for Australian travellers flying to Vietnam and onward to popular destinations across Asia.
The expansion is also expected to strengthen tourism and business links between the two nations, contributing to Australia’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia under the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Vietjet is one of Asia’s fastest-growing airlines, leading in fleet modernisation, green technologies and innovative services.
The carrier currently operates over 150 domestic and international routes with one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the region, maintaining top-tier safety standards.
Commitment to Green Growth and Net Zero
The A321neo is renowned for its exceptional fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions.
Vietjet’s investment in this next-generation fleet underscores its ongoing commitment to green growth and sustainable aviation, aligning with global efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
This order follows Vietjet’s recent research collaboration with the University of Oxford on global aviation Net Zero pathways, further demonstrating the airline’s leadership in sustainability and education partnerships.
A Shared Vision for a Connected and Sustainable Future
Through this 100-aircraft order, Vietjet and Airbus aim not only to expand fleet capacity but also to strengthen cooperation in technology transfer, supply chain development, human resource training and global network expansion.
This partnership reaffirms aviation as a vital bridge connecting commerce, investment and innovation, contributing to a vision of a greener, more sustainable and more human-centered future.
