Following a recent visit to Vietnam by French President Emmanuel Macron, Vietnam Airlines has announced plans to acquire five Airbus A350 aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2033 and 2034. The move is part of a broader effort to expand the airline’s international operations and meet growing demand for air travel. In a related development, Vietnamese President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc signed a letter of intent this week for Vietravel Airlines to acquire 20 Airbus A220 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft. These acquisitions are intended to bolster the capacity and efficiency of both Vietnam Airlines and Vietravel Airlines, which are key players in Vietnam's aviation sector. Vietnam Airlines currently operates a fleet that is largely composed of Airbus aircraft, including the A320 family and A350 models, with some Boeing 787 planes supplementing the fleet. The new aircraft will help the airline increase its capacity on medium and long-haul routes, enhancing its ability to serve international destinations. This agreement also marks a significant milestone in aerospace cooperation between Vietnam and France, reinforcing the long-term strategy of Vietnam Airlines to strengthen its long-haul operations beyond 2030. The agreement includes plans for joint studies and evaluations between Vietnam Airlines and Airbus to finalize the necessary procedures for the acquisition, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. As part of this partnership, Airbus has emphasized its commitment to supporting Vietnam Airlines in modernizing its fleet. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Commercial Airplane Sales at Airbus, noted that the A350-900 is well-suited to support Vietnam Airlines’ goals in expanding its international network in the coming years. This collaboration reflects a broader trend of international partnerships in the aviation industry, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of national airlines through modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. For Vietnam, these deals are not only about improving air travel services but also about fostering economic and technological ties with European partners like France.