This article is based on an official press release from RTX / Pratt & Whitney.

Vietjet Selects Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines for 44 New Airbus Aircraft, Including A321XLRs

Vietjet Air has officially selected Pratt & Whitney to power an additional 44 Airbus A320neo family aircraft with GTF engines. According to a joint announcement released on February 4, 2026, by the airline and RTX business unit Pratt & Whitney, the order encompasses 24 A321neo aircraft and 20 A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) jets. This latest agreement brings Vietjet’s total order book for GTF-powered aircraft to 137.

The deal marks a significant technical commitment for the Vietnamese carrier as it prepares for its next phase of international expansion. Deliveries for these newly powered aircraft are scheduled to begin in July 2026. Alongside the engine selection, the companies signed a comprehensive 12-year EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement, which covers engine maintenance and technical support.

Expanding the Long-Haul Low-Cost Model

A central component of this agreement is the inclusion of engines for 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The A321XLR is designed to offer extended range capabilities of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), allowing narrowbody operators to fly routes up to 11 hours non-stop. For Vietjet, this capability is essential for connecting Vietnam to destinations that were previously inaccessible with standard single-aisle jets.

In the press statement, Vietjet leadership emphasized the role of efficient propulsion in their growth strategy. Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet Managing Director, noted the importance of the partnership in supporting the airline‘s operational goals.

“The GTF engine is powering our growth with industry-leading operating economics and fuel efficiency… We continue to trust in the long-term, comprehensive and responsible partnership with Pratt & Whitney.”

, Nguyen Thanh Son, Managing Director of Vietjet

By utilizing the A321XLR, Vietjet is positioned to launch direct, low-cost flights to markets such as Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) and potentially Eastern Europe. The fuel efficiency of the GTF engines, which Pratt & Whitney states can deliver up to 20% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation engines, is a critical factor in making these long-haul low-cost routes economically viable.

Technical Specifications and Support

The agreement includes a long-term support package designed to ensure reliability for the expanding fleet. The 12-year EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement is a “power-by-the-hour” style contract that provides the airline with predictive maintenance data and technical support.

Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of the selection in the company’s official release.

“With this latest order, Vietjet will further realize the benefits of the most efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft and our ongoing commitment to enabling their network expansion.”

, Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney

Industry observers note that aircraft delivering in the 2026 timeframe are likely to be equipped with the “GTF Advantage” configuration. This upgraded variant is designed to offer higher takeoff thrust and improved durability, addressing the specific needs of heavier, long-range aircraft like the A321XLR.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Fleet Diversification
This order reinforces Vietjet’s “dual-source” engine strategy. While the carrier has committed heavily to the Airbus/Pratt & Whitney combination for its A320neo family fleet, it also holds significant orders for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines. By maintaining relationships with both major engine manufacturers, Vietjet mitigates supply chain risks, such as technical groundings or delivery delays, while retaining leverage in future price negotiations.

Infrastructure and Market Growth
The timing of the deliveries, starting in July 2026, aligns with broader infrastructure developments in Vietnam. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has forecast 13% growth in passenger traffic for 2026. Furthermore, the anticipated opening of the Long Thanh International Airport near Ho Chi Minh City in late 2026 is expected to alleviate congestion at current hubs, providing the necessary slot capacity for Vietjet to deploy these new long-range assets effectively.

Sources

• RTX / Pratt & Whitney