Vietnam Airlines is waiting for Airbus to come back with more detailed specifications for a new generation Airbus A380 before deciding to order the superjumbo, media reports say.
In November of last year, the carrier announced that it had signed an MOU with Airbus covering four A380s. However, officials stressed that the committment to purchase was still under study.
According to officials, Airbus told them that the A380s – with a higher gross weight and more range than the current model – could be delivered in 2014 or 2015. The launch customer of the new variant, British Airways, is expected to take the first upgraded A380 in 2013.
The management of Vietnam Airlines is keen to acquire A380s with more range than the current aircraft, saying these could be used on on long-haul routes to the US.
Margie T Logarta
