Low-cost carrier VietJetAir remains committed to Airbus despite its recent deal with bitter rival Boeing, according to the European manufacturer’s Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy.
Boeing and VietJetAir – currently an all-Airbus operator – announced a surprise deal for 100 737 MAX 200s on May 23, during an official state visit to Vietnam by US President Barack Obama.
“We were disappointed in VietJet[Air],” Leahy told Airliner World during the recent Airbus Innovation Days 2016 event at the company’s Hamburg/Finkenwerder site. “There was clearly some political implication. They did get a very, very, very good price from Boeing on that package. We chose not to go after Boeing on the pricing.”
Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy. (Key – James Ronayne)
Leahy said he had spoken to VietJetAir and was reassured the airline is committed to its outstanding orders with Airbus. At the end of April, the carrier had a fleet of 27 A320ceos and five A321ceos, with two A320ceos, 19 A321ceos, 42 A320neos and 21 A321neos on order.
“We wanted to know what VietJet[Air]’s plans were,” explained Leahy. “They said ‘no, we’re staying with Airbus – we have the right with Boeing to lease these aircraft out’, so we will see. They have assured us they have absolutely no intention of replacing Airbus airplanes with Boeing airplanes.”
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