Vietnam Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the purchase of five A350-900 wide-body aircraft, marking another step in the carrier’s long-term international expansion strategy.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2033 and 2034. Vietnam Airlines said the agreement forms part of its plan to acquire around 30 wide-body aircraft beyond 2030 as it seeks to expand its international network.

The agreement was announced during Vietnamese leader To Lam’s visit to France, where Vietnam and France signed several agreements covering aviation and other areas of cooperation. Airbus said the A350-900’s long-range capability and operating efficiency could support Vietnam Airlines’ future international growth.

Vietnam’s aviation sector is also seeing wider aircraft investment. Vietravel Airlines has separately signed a letter of intent with Airbus covering 20 A220 aircraft and 30 A321 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.

The developments underline Vietnam’s ambition to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and international connectivity as passenger demand continues to grow. The country is also targeting 45–50 million international visitors annually by 2030, according to its government.

For Vietnam Airlines, the planned A350 acquisition could provide additional long-haul capacity and support the airline’s efforts to build a stronger presence on international routes over the coming decade.