NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2018) – Aviation Capital Group LLC (“ACG”) announced today that it has delivered Vietnam Airlines’ first Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft is on a long-term lease to Vietnam Airlines and is the first of six Airbus A321neos to be delivered from ACG’s orderbook and leased to Vietnam Airlines.
“We are extremely excited to deliver the first A321neo to Vietnam Airlines,” said Khanh T. Tran, president and CEO of ACG. “We look forward to Vietnam Airlines operating these highly fuel-efficient aircraft in their growing route network.”
“Vietnam Airlines is delighted to partner with ACG and selected the Airbus A321neo for its exceptional operational performance with 15-20% reduced fuel burn and its outstanding passenger comfort and amenities. The state of the art wireless in-flight entertainment system on our Airbus A321neo will deliver a completely new and innovative travel experience for our passengers. Delivery of our first A321neo marks a milestone in Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing program to upgrade our narrow-body fleet as well as our 4-star service quality. We are confident that the Airbus A321neo fleet will further deliver the highest level of passenger comfort on our growing domestic and regional routes in Vietnam and Asia,” said Duong Tri Thanh, president and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.”
Vietnam Airlines operates a fleet of 91 aircraft, including 58 Airbus A321ceo. Vietnam Airlines’ fleet is one of the youngest and most modern in the region with an average fleet age of 5.4 years. With plans to upgrade the narrow-body fleet and expand its wide-body aircraft fleet (Boeing 787, Airbus A350), the number of Vietnam Airlines aircraft is expected to reach 110 by the end of 2019.
About Aviation Capital Group
Aviation Capital Group is one of the world’s premier full service aircraft asset managers with approximately 500 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2018, which are leased to approximately 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. ACG was founded in 1989 and is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Pacific Life Insurance Company.
About Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam and the major carrier in South East Asia, operating 94 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations with an average of 400 flights per day. Vietnam Airlines has established itself as one of the region’s leading airlines thanks to its modern fleet and commitment to innovation and development, earning recognition from international and national communities through a series of prestigious awards. In 2017, Vietnam Airlines was named “Asia Pacific Airline of the Year” by CAPA; and “World’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class” and “World’s Leading Cultural Airline” in the World Travel Awards 2017. In 2018, Skytrax – the world’s leading airline and airport rating organization – has ranked Vietnam Airlines as a 4-Star Airline for three consecutive years.
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Gordon Grant
Head of Investor and Media Relations
+ 1 949 219 4664
gordon.grant@aviationcapital.com
