VietJet's first A321 aircraft lands at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. — VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — VietJet welcomed the 9000th aircraft made by Airbus at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on March 22.

The aircraft, coded VN-A65, is also VietJet's first A321 plane and the fifth of 100 aircraft ordered from Airbus.

The new aircraft, which was purchased in a deal financed by BNP Paribas bank (France) and Jackson Square (Japan), is emblazoned with the words, "Airbus' 9000th aircraft".

The A320 single-aisle jetliner is the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A321 features Sharklet wingtip devices and the widest passenger cabin in its class. It also boasts extended service intervals for the airframe, and the stretched fuselage can seat up to 220 passengers in a high-density arrangement.

The new arrival will increase VietJet's fleet to a total of 23 aircraft, facilitating the airline's expansion plans, which include launching longer-haul routes to South Korea, Japan and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region.

Managing Director of VietJet Luu Duc Khanh said, "We are very proud to welcome a new A321 into our family in line with our expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific."

"We believe that the new fleet will further facilitate our business plans as well as offer customers more and more wonderful flying experiences," he said.

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer-customers of Airbus, said the new A321 would boost VietJet's operations to a new level in terms of cost efficiency for single-aisle aircraft.

In its latest press release, the airline said receiving its first A321 was a significant milestone in VietJet's strategic business plan after three years of operations.

By adding more new, modern aircraft, the carrier will improve its cost efficiency, and as a result, be able to offer even better air fares to customers, while expanding its flight network and contributing to the development of the aviation industry in Viet Nam and in the region. — VNS