Vietnam_Airlines

Airbus has secured a contract with Vietnam Airlines to provide flight hour services (FHS) to its fleet of 14 new A350-900 aircraft.

With this 12-year agreement, Vietnam Airlines has become the first carrier to select Airbus FHS for A350 XWB.

Under the deal, Airbus will launch a pool access service at Vietnam Airlines’ main base and selected outstations, to provide line replaceable units (LRUs) and guaranteed spare parts.

Airbus customer services senior vice-president Didier Lux said: "The airline is already benefitting from Airbus FHS for its A330 fleet, and this new FHS contract for the A350 XWB is the proof of their confidence in our services."

Vietnam Airlines has ten A350 XWBs on order from Airbus, and four under lease agreements.

"Flight Hour Services for our A350 fleet are an extremely important facilitator for our A350’s entry into service."

The carrier plans to operate the new A350s on premium, long-haul routes beginning with services between Hanoi and Paris.

Vietnam Airlines president and CEO Dr Pham Ngoc Minh said: "Flight Hour Services for our A350 fleet are an extremely important facilitator for our A350’s entry into service.

"Airbus has demonstrated a consistently high-quality service on our fleet. Therefore when it came to the A350, we are building on Airbus’ commitment and ability to ensure the highest performance of our A350 operations from day one."

The airline currently operates a fleet of 49 A320 and ten A330 aircraft.

Airbus has so far secured FHS contracts for more than 185 aircraft, including the A320, A330, A380 and the A350 XWB.

Image: A Vietnam Airlines A350 XWB aircraft. Photo: courtesy of P Masclet / Airbus SAS.