Vietnam Airlines’ top management has confirmed it is actively evaluating the Airbus A220 and Embraer regional jets and plans to make a decision so it can start replacing its ATR 72s late next year.
The flag carrier is in discussions with the aircraft manufacturers and relevant lessors, Vietnam Airlines’ CEO, Le Hong Ha, told delegates at an aviation conference in Vietnam, adding that the aircraft – either the A220 or Embraer regional jet – are needed to access airports with short runways.
Airbus and Embraer recently had demo tours in Vietnam of the A220 and E2 respectively.
Vietnam Airlines announced at a shareholder meeting last year that it plans to sell its six ATR 72-500s and replace these regional jets. The ATR 72s have been serving airports that cannot receive Airbus A320s.
Le says they plan to start adding the regional jet aircraft in late 2023 and will use the aircraft to serve, for example, Con Dao Airport and Dien Bien Phu Airport.
Vietnam Airlines’ competitor Bamboo Airways already serves these airports using Embraer E-190s.
Picture Source: Embraer
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