Airbus paving the way for sustainability and innovation in Vietnam

Airbus recognizes the growth of Vietnam’s aviation industry and is committed to partnering with the country to advance sustainability and innovation in the aviation sector, Ms. Hoang Tri Mai Hoang, Airbus Chief Representative for Vietnam, told the recent Aviation Industry Vietnam Forum Exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City and the Innovation Horizon Forum 5.0 in Hanoi.

Airbus’s latest market forecasts for the region predict a need for 17,580 new aircraft, both passenger and freighter, over the next two decades, representing 44.5 per cent of global demand for 39,490 new aircraft by 2041. Over 75 per cent of deliveries will drive growth, compared to the global average of 60 per cent, with 25 per cent being replacements, compared to the global average of 40 per cent; a key factor in decarbonization efforts.

The region will lead global demand for wide-body aircraft such as the A330neo and A350, with a requirement for around 3,000. In the single aisle segment, the region will need around 14,560 aircraft like the A220 and A320neo family.

With a strong year-on-year increase in passenger and cargo traffic, Vietnam is emerging as a significant aviation market, mirroring the broader regional trend. The sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP of 5.2 per cent, or $12.5 billion, provides essential support for economic growth.

Vietnam’s aviation industry is experiencing a robust growth trajectory, fueled by a combination of factors that underscore the country’s potential as a key player in the Asia-Pacific.

Ms. Mai said that sustainability will be a central theme in Vietnam’s aviation growth story, and Airbus stands ready to help it meet its sustainability commitments. “Airbus’s cutting-edge innovations and technologies, including the development of new generation aircraft, satellite applications, and environmental initiatives, align seamlessly with Vietnam’s goals,” she added.

Airbus leads the industry in designing and manufacturing fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly aircraft that provide an immediate reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of at least 20 per cent. By incorporating such aircraft into their fleets, Vietnam-based carriers can make substantial progress towards achieving their sustainability targets while enhancing their operational efficiency.

Ms. Mai reiterated Airbus’s unwavering support for Vietnam in harnessing satellite technology to monitor and address environmental challenges. Notably, Vietnam’s first Earth-Observation satellite system, VNREDSat-1, built by Airbus, was successfully launched in 2013 and remains operational.

Airbus continues its cooperation with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) on the VNREDSat-2 Program, which is poised to significantly enhance Vietnam’s space capabilities, thereby contributing to economic growth and societal advancement.

In addition, Airbus is committed to nurturing innovation in Vietnam’s aviation sector. By fostering cooperation with local partners, Airbus aims to promote research and development activities that drive technological advancements and create opportunities for Vietnam to lead in aviation innovation within the Asia-Pacific region.

This was further amplified at the two-day Innovation Horizon 5.0 Forum in Hanoi from October 17-18, where a new decade of strategic partnership was marked between Vietnam and France.

Jointly organized by Airbus and the Embassy of France in Vietnam, various activities were held to discuss new trends and ideas in industries such as transportation, aerospace, environment, education, and startups.

Together with Vietnamese and French companies in the fields of energy, innovation, and aerospace industries, Airbus discussed how the future of mobility can be further developed sustainably.

Vietnam has made encouraging progress in innovation. One such example is the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), with a new campus to be inaugurated at the end of this month. Airbus is excited to support the NIC on its development journey to create a transformative change for Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.

“At Airbus, we are dedicated pioneers, charting the course for a sustainable aerospace future that unites the world in safety and innovation,” said Mr. Pierre Andrieu, Innovation for Customers Director at Airbus - Commercial and International. “From the steady progress of incremental advancements to the game-changing power of disruptive innovation, our commitment is unwavering. We hope to partner with Vietnam-based organizations on pivotal projects and technologies that can propel us towards our vision of the future.”