Vietnam Air Signs Deal For 4 Airbus A380sNovember 13, 2009
Vietnam Airlines has agreed to buy four A380 superjumbos, from Airbus in a deal worth almost USD$1.8 billion.
Vietnam Airlines will be the first new customer for the A380 aircraft since 2006, according to a list of deals signed between France and Vietnam during a visit to Hanoi by the French Prime Minister.
In addition to the A380s, the deal includes two A350XWB-900 wide-body planes.
The agreement between the flag carrier and Airbus also includes an industrial partnership to build certain parts for Airbus and the establishment of a pilot and engineer training centre in the country.
The deal is a boost for Airbus on the eve of the Dubai air show at which it will scrap with US rival Boeing for a thin pile of orders due to the global economic crisis.
Vietnam Air officials have recently expressed concern about production delays to its order of 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
At a time when virtually no airline is showing a profit, Air Viet Nam appears to be set to become a major player in the game.
The carrier had intended to use the aircraft to serve its long haul services including direct flights to the United States.
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