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Vietjet and CFM International Sign Agreement for Over 400 LEAP-1B Engines

9 October, 2024

The ceremony, held at the Élysée Palace in Paris, was witnessed by the General Secretary and President of Vietnam, To Lam, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, along with high-level delegations from both countries.

These engines will power two previously announced aircraft orders from 2016 and 2018, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.

Vietjet is a long-standing customer of CFM International, currently operating 56 Airbus A321ceo and 17 A320ceo aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines.

This partnership will take the relationship between Vietjet and CFM to new heights, leveraging Safran and CFM’s industry-leading expertise to deliver breakthrough technology products. The future operation of the advanced LEAP engine will support Vietjet’s strategy for sustainable growth, enabling the airline to optimize operating costs with fuel-efficient aircraft while providing passengers with the best flying experiences.

“For over a decade, we have worked closely with Vietjet Air to introduce technical management support programs, training, and fuel efficiency improvements for their CFM56 fleet, and we look forward to extending these activities to the new LEAP-1B engine,” said Gaël Méheust, President, and CEO of CFM International. “We are deeply honored by the great trust Vietjet has shown in CFM, and we welcome this opportunity to further strengthen the special relationship established this year, leading to more fruitful outcomes in the future.”

The CFM LEAP engine series delivers a 15% to 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as significant noise improvements, compared to previous-generation engines. With over 3,500 LEAP-powered aircraft in service, this engine has helped CFM customers avoid over 35 million tons of CO2 emissions. It is the most successful new product introduction in CFM’s 50-year history, with the fastest fleet accumulation rate in commercial aviation – surpassing 60 million flight hours in just eight years.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, President of Vietjet Airlines, proudly shared: “We value and are honored by the strategic relationship between the two sides. It is through the partnership with advanced engine manufacturers like Safran and CFM that Vietjet has been able to bring cost-saving flying opportunities to millions, contributing to the development of aviation in the Asia-Pacific region, the most dynamic in the world, including Vietnam. Today’s agreement to operate fuel-efficient engines is in line with Vietjet’s commitment to sustainability and environmental friendliness. Passengers will benefit even more from our green flights.”

Since the establishment of bilateral relations, Vietnam and France have made significant impacts in trade with impressive figures. The long-term strategic cooperation between Vietjet and Safran/CFM has contributed to trade turnover, promoted tourism, and encouraged mutual investment between the two countries, while also creating more jobs for French citizens.

The collaboration between Vietjet and Safran goes beyond engine supply through the CFM International joint venture. It extends to various fields, including aircraft seating, cabin interiors, technical management training services, and potential opportunities for establishing high-tech maintenance and repair complexes and training facilities in Vietnam, aiming to develop aerospace support industries and position Vietnam as a regional aviation hub.

As a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and transformed the landscape of commercial aviation since its establishment in 1974.

Today, CFM is the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, with its product line setting industry standards for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized ownership costs. CFM produces the LEAP engine series and provides support for the global LEAP and CFM56 engine fleets. www.cfmaeroengines.com

Vietjet, the new-age airline, is leading a revolution in Vietnam’s aviation industry, the region, and the world. With its superior cost management, operation, and performance, Vietjet offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares, diverse services, and unique added-on-value products to meet all customers’ demands.

Vietjet is an official member of IATA and has the IOSA certificate. The airline has also been awarded a 7-star safety rating, the highest level for safety, by the world’s only safety and product rating organization, AirlineRatings. The airline has also been named in the world’s Top 50 airlines for healthy financing and operations by AirFinance Journal in 2018 and 2019. Vietjet has been awarded the Best Low-Cost Airline by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, AirlineRatings, and many others.

For more information, please visit www.vietjetair.com