Vietnam Airlines to buy five jets

Vietnam Airlines to buy five jets

HANOI: Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has begun negotiations to finalize a US$213 million deal to purchase five Airbus A-321 aircraft within the next few months, the airline said Monday.

"We are carrying out negotiations with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for a contract to buy five A-321s," spokesman Nguyen Chan told AFP.

"If the government gives its consent, this contract could be signed by the two sides within the next quarter," he added, without detailing the negotiations.

Vietnam Airlines last September signed a letter of intent with Airbus to buy five jets as part of a plan to expand its fleet from 29 to 40 aircraft by 2010.

In December the airline also inked an agreement with Boeing to buy four Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in a deal worth about $680 million. -- AFP