< Reveal sidebar

Bamboo Airways Receives A321neo, Plans UK Launch

A Bamboo Airways A321 mockup (Photo: FLC Group)

Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways has received an Airbus A321neo ACF, with the next-generation aircraft becoming the 30th to join Bamboo’s fleet.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’s single-aisle A320 family. Bamboo has reduced its seating configuration density from 240 to 223, consisting of eight business class and 215 economy class seats, giving passengers more legroom. The aircraft has a maximum capacity of 244 seats and a standard seat width of 18 inches.

Bamboo Airways was found in 2017 and currently operates the domestic network to 21 out of 22 airports in the country. The A321NEO has played a key role in the airline, operating domestic and international routes, especially mid-range international routes.

Bamboo Airways officially operates the maximum fleet approved by the government, with three wide-body airplanes from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, 22 narrow-body aircraft from Airbus A321neo, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A319 and five regional jets from Embraer E190. Bamboo is the first carrier to operate the E190.

“Expanding the fleet scale is among our priority targets to serve a vigorously expanding international flight network to countries in Europe, Australia, Northeast Asia and the U.S.” Nguyen Ngoc Trong, Chairman of Bamboo Airways’ Board of Director said.

Bamboo is determined to improve its service and meet the travel demand, aiming to own a fleet of 42 aircraft by 2023. The airline believes the aviation industry is strongly recovering from the pandemic. In the long term, the airline pursues a goal of owning 100 aircraft by 2030 if conditions allow. Bamboo aims at operating 40 international routes and 80 domestic in 2022.

Expanding Its Route Map

In response to the increasing travel demand after the pandemic, the airline has been focusing on developing long-haul and Asian routes. Earlier, the airline has announced the route between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to U.K’s London’s Gatwick Airport will be launched on Dec. 7. The new weekly service will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with three classes, including business class, premium economy and economy.

“With this new route operating ahead of Christmas and New Year 2023, Bamboo Airways hopes to meet the high travel demands of Vietnamese communities in the U.K. wishing to come back home for a holiday.” Thach Pierre Hoang, Acting Chief Commercial Officer of the airline said.

“It is fantastic news that Bamboo Airways is already expanding its operation from Gatwick, ahead of its inaugural flight.” Stephanie Wear, VP of Aviation Development of Gatwick Airport said.

Bamboo is set to launch the route between Hanoi, Vietnam and Gatwick on Oct. 30. The Ho Chi Minh City –London Gatwick is expected to complement the upcoming route Hanoi – London Gatwick.  In addition, the carrier has started U.K. services earlier this year, the flight between Hanoi and London’s Heathrow Airport was launched in March.

Author

Subscribe to AirlineGeeks' Daily Check-In

Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.

Related Stories

Korean Air Orders 33 Airbus A350 Aircraft

Korean Air announced on Thursday a new fleet expansion agreement with Airbus. The airline will sign a contract to purchase…

JAL Expands Fleet With 42 New Aircraft

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced a significant expansion of its fleet on Thursday, placing a multi-billion dollar order for 42 new…

Korean Air Eyeing Airbus Widebody Order

Korean Air, South Korea's flag carrier, is in the works to order 20 Airbus A350 jets from Airbus. An official…