Vietjet Orders 40 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 Engines

Vietjet Expands Long-Haul Fleet with Order for 40 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 Engines

Vietjet has confirmed a significant order for 40 additional Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines to equip 20 new Airbus A330neo aircraft, reinforcing its strategy to modernize and expand its long-haul operations. This latest acquisition doubles the airline’s previous commitment made at last year’s Singapore Airshow, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by Vietjet to 80. The corresponding aircraft order was initially announced by Airbus in May.

Strategic Partnership and Operational Benefits

Under the terms of the agreement, Vietjet will continue to benefit from Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare service, a comprehensive maintenance and engine health management program. Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, underscored the importance of the deal, noting that the additional order reflects Vietjet’s confidence in the Trent 7000 engine and A330neo aircraft combination. He highlighted the versatility of the pairing, which enables airlines to serve diverse markets while enhancing fleet resilience. Watson also pointed to Rolls-Royce’s £1 billion investment in extending engine time on wing across the Trent family, which has resulted in performance improvements for the Trent 7000, including tripled time on wing in some cases. He described Vietjet as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the company’s role in connecting Vietnam to global destinations through advanced aerospace technology.

Dinh Viet Phuong, CEO of Vietjet, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership with Rolls-Royce, describing it as central to the airline’s long-term vision for a next-generation widebody fleet. He noted that the expansion of the Trent 7000 order within a year signals Vietjet’s strong commitment to growing its international network, particularly in long-haul markets across Europe, North Asia, and North America. Phuong stressed that the combination of the Trent 7000 engines and the TotalCare program positions Vietjet to deliver a superior travel experience characterized by enhanced quality, cost efficiency, and support for sustainable aviation.

Market Implications and Challenges

Despite the clear strategic rationale, the fleet expansion presents certain challenges. The substantial upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs associated with the Trent 7000 engines have elicited mixed reactions from market observers. Some investors have expressed concerns about the financial implications, while others view the move as a prudent investment aimed at improving fleet efficiency and securing long-term competitiveness. The sizeable order may also prompt rival low-cost carriers to accelerate their own fleet modernization efforts, potentially intensifying competition and triggering a price war in engine procurement and operational efficiency. Furthermore, ongoing global trade tensions, which have affected other airlines such as Spirit, could indirectly influence Vietjet’s strategic decisions and supply chain management.

Engine Performance and Fleet Growth

The Trent 7000 engine, the latest member of the Rolls-Royce Trent family, is exclusively used on the Airbus A330neo and has accumulated over three million flight hours, demonstrating strong reliability and sustainable performance. Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare program is designed to provide operational certainty by shifting maintenance cost risks back to the manufacturer, supported by advanced engine health monitoring technologies.

Currently, Vietjet operates a fleet of more than 130 new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft and has placed orders for over 400 additional planes. This expanding fleet underpins the airline’s growing presence across the Asia-Pacific region and supports its ambitions to launch new long-haul routes to Europe and the Americas in the near future.