RANGOON — Vietnam’s budget airline VietJet announced on Thursday that it signed a US$3.04 billion deal with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for an engine to power the carrier’s dozens of new aircraft, which was billed as increasing the safety of travelers from Burma and beyond.
VietJet has ordered 63 Airbus A320neo and A321neo models and in the statement said that the deal is one of three new agreements this year to add improvements to their services, all of which are aimed at improving the safety of their passengers. VietJet will also provide flight crew training at its training center on its incoming A320 fleet.
Didier Lux, head of Airbus customer services, said, “We are delighted to provide VietJet with equipment and materials for flight and maintenance training. We are committed to expanding our services footprint in Vietnam and the region, including Thailand, Singapore and Burma.”
“Teaming-up with VietJet through our first training services agreement in Vietnam is a major milestone to deliver training by Airbus in the region, and it ensures more efficient service, support and proximity to our customers.”
There is currently a route between Rangoon and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, operating with a frequency of five return flights per week.
State-owned Vietnam Airlines has flown the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Rangoon for the past five years. Communist-ruled Vietnam’s first private airline to be granted an operating license, VietJet flies 33 routes inside Vietnam and within the region.
