Airbus, Europe's leading aerospace manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to its presence in Viet Nam, particularly in the area of sustainability.

Speaking at a press meeting on Tuesday (November 29) on the sidelines of the European Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam's (EuroCham Viet Nam) Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2022 held from November 28 to 30 in HCM City, Airbus President for Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley said Airbus is involved in discussions with stakeholders in Viet Nam to meet goals that will lead to net zero emissions by 2050.

The aircraft maker is playing an advocacy role in terms of sustainability in Viet Nam, exploring ways to support the government and other stakeholders to meet the country’s decarbonisation goals.

“We are excited to work with local aviation players to support the development of a sustainable aerospace ecosystem,” he said.

As Viet Nam is preparing for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), the manufacturer is already leading the way in ensuring a more sustainable future for aviation.

“This is being achieved not only through the introduction of new generation aircraft that are more fuel-efficient, but also in optimising airline operations with Airbus Navblue subsidiary expertise in airspace management,” he said.

In terms of commercial aircraft, Airbus jets form the backbone of airline fleets in Viet Nam, contributing strongly to the country’s economic growth. There are 220 Airbus aircraft in the fleets of airlines in the country, with another 118 aircraft set to be delivered.

The A320 family is operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines and Vietravel Airlines, offering reliable and efficient service in the domestic and regional markets.

In the widebody segment, Vietnam Airlines operates the world’s newest long range aircraft, the A350, while Vietjet Air flies the A330ceo.

Airbus is also supporting the development of local talents and has created a pathway for future aerospace professionals with graduate and postgraduate programmes at the Aeronautical Engineering Department of the University of Science and Technology in Ha Noi (USTH) in cooperation with European aerospace institutions.

Stanley also noted that Airbus’ industrial ecosystem creates jobs for more than 1,500 high-skill labourers in Viet Nam and has great potential for future growth.

“We are confident that additional opportunities to further grow the local footprint will generate business, contributed by Viet Nam’s reliable and skilled industrial landscape,” he said.

Over the years, Airbus has developed several partnerships and cooperation projects in Viet Nam, making the country a key regional partner in its industrial aviation ecosystem.

The country’s air transport sector supports 2.2 million jobs and contributes US$12.5 billion gross value or 5.2 per cent to its GDP.

“We are proud to play a role in this important industry in the country and look forward to strengthening our partnerships and to providing the highest levels of support for operators in the various market segments,” Stanley said.

The Airbus relationship with Viet Nam began more than 30 years ago, in 1986, when the first Puma helicopter entered into service in the country. The A310 widebody aircraft became the first Airbus commercial airliner to begin operations in the country in 1991.

Airbus has sold more than 250 civil passenger aircraft to airlines and leasing companies in the country. — VNS