(Paris, October 7, 2024) – In conjunction with the state visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam to France, the new-age airline Vietjet, and CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace, have reaffirmed the commitment for the supply of more than 400 LEAP-1B engines and technical engine services to power the airline’s narrow-body fleet, with estimated total value at US$8 billion. This comes despite recent disruptions in the global aviation supply chain. The signing ceremony took place at the Élysée Palace in Paris, witnessed by Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam, and French President Emmanuel Macron, along with high-level delegations from both countries.
The engines are from two orders previously announced in 2016 and 2018 and the aircraft are scheduled to begin delivery in 2025.
Vietjet Air has been a longstanding CFM customer, currently operating 56 Airbus A321ceo and 17 A320ceo aircraft equipped with CFM56-5B engines.
The agreement will bring the relationship with CFM to another level as the industry-leading expertise of Safran and CFM will deliver breakthrough technological products to Vietjet. The future introduction of the LEAP engine meets the airline’s sustainable growth strategy and will enable it to optimize the operating costs on fuel efficient aircraft, while offering its customers the best flying experience.
“For more than a decade, we have worked closely with VietJet Air to introduce support programs in terms of technical management, training, and fuel efficiency improvements for its CFM56 fleet and look forward to now extending these practices to the new LEAP-1B engines,” said Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “We are deeply honored by the high level of confidence Vietjet has shown in CFM and we welcome this opportunity to further strengthening this year special relationship well into the future.”
The CFM LEAP engine family delivers 15 to 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as a significant improvement in noise, compared to previous generation engines. With more than 3,500 LEAP-powered aircraft in service, the engine has allowed CFM customers to save more than 35 million tons of CO2 emissions. The engine has been the most successful new product introduction in CFM’s 50-year history, with the fastest ever ramp-up of engine flight hours in the industry – surpassing 60 million hours in just eight years.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, proudly shared: “We deeply value and are honored by this strategic partnership. World-leading engine manufacturers like Safran and CFM have worked alongside Vietjet to provide affordable air travel for millions of people, driving growth in the dynamic Asia-Pacific aviation market, including Vietnam. Today’s agreement for fuel-efficient engines reinforces our commitment to sustainability. Our passengers will enjoy even greener, more efficient flights."
Since establishing bilateral ties, Vietnam and France have made significant trade progress. The strategic partnership between Vietjet and Safran/CFM has contributed to this growth, boosting trade volumes and fostering tourism and investment between the two nations, while also creating more jobs in the French labor market. This collaboration extends beyond aircraft engines through Safran’s joint venture, CFM International, and also covers areas like aircraft seats, cabin interiors, and engine management training. Additionally, it opens opportunities to establish high-tech maintenance and repair facilities, as well as training centers in Vietnam, further positioning the country as a regional aviation hub.