Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet has agreed on an order for 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with Airbus. The news was announced as Vietjet's CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao visits Airbus in Toulouse. The order shouldn't come as any surprise, as last month Simple Flying reported that an unidentified order for 15 A321XLR aircraft was expected to go to Vietjet.

Airbus, A321XLR, Vietjet
Vietjet has placed a firm order for 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Photo: Airbus

The Airbus A321XLR was announced earlier this year at the Paris Air Show. Despite some claiming that a long haul flight on a single-aisle aircraft would not be popular, the aircraft has sold well in its first four months. Just two months ago, AirAsia placed an order for 30 of the aircraft. Along with the aircraft, Vietjet has signed an agreement for training services to be provided by Airbus.

A look at Vietjet

VietJet Air is one of Vietnam’s low-cost carriers alongside Bamboo Airways. While Vietjet was founded in 2007, it didn't commence operations until 2011. The carrier currently operates a fleet exclusively comprised of Airbus A320 family aircraft.

However, in February the LCC placed an order for 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including 100 of the  -200 version of the aircraft, the same type on order from Ryanair. As the Boeing 737 MAX is currently grounded, deliveries of the aircraft have been placed on hold.

What about the A321XLR?

VietJet has today placed a firm order for 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The aircraft going to Vietjet were previously ordered. However, the paperwork was only signed in Toulouse earlier today, during a visit from Vietjet's CEO to the European aerospace giant.

Airbus, A321XLR, Vietjet
VietJet has 100 of the 737 MAX 200 on order. Photo: Boeing

While Middle Eastern Airlines is the launch customer for the Airbus A321XLR, VietJet won't have to wait too long for their aircraft. In fact, Airbus said in a press release: "Vietjet will be among the first airlines to receive the A321XLR."

The order will bring the total number of Airbus A320 family aircraft ordered by the Vietnamese LCC to 186. 60 of these aircraft have been delivered so far. The remaining aircraft on order are all Airbus A321s. According to Airbus, the order will allow Vietjet to fly to destinations as far as Australia and Russia, including everything in between.

Training included

Vietjet also signed an agreement with Airbus for training services earlier today. This will see Airbus place two Airbus A320 simulators in the carrier's Ho Chi Mihn training facilities.

Airbus, A321XLR, Vietjet
The order for the aircraft was signed in Toulouse earlier today. Photo: Airbus

Speaking of the order Vietjet President & CEO, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, said:

“We are proud of operating one of the world’s youngest Airbus fleets with an average age of only 2.7 years and this has contributed greatly to Vietjet’s success over the past years. Following the signing of this contract, the new A321XLR will be the perfect upgrade to Vietjet’s fleet as we look to grow our international flight network.”

What do you make of Vietjet's Airbus A321XLR order? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!