Bamboo Airways (QH, Hanoi Noi Bai International) has reached an agreement with CDB Aviation to return three leased ERJ 190-100LRs by the end of March and will transition to an all-Airbus fleet as part of a broader restructuring of the carrier. Bamboo confirmed the type's exit on February 23.
The three aircraft are VN-A261 (msn 19000605) which was delivered to Bamboo in early July 2021; VN-A262 (msn 19000613), which was sent to the airline in early October 2021; and VN-A266 (msn 19000570), delivered in late January 2021. The airline cited operational costs, fuel efficiency, and pilot training requirements as the reasons to phase out the Embraer jets. Flight tracking data shows all three are currently deployed on scheduled services.
According to ch-aviation schedules data, the E190s currently operate all or some flights on routes between Hanoi and Con Dao, Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hue Phu Bai International, and Nha Trang Cam Ranh, and between Ho Chi Minh City and both Con Dao and Da Nang. As a result of the decision to end E190 ops, Bamboo Airways will exit Con Dao as that airport cannot support A320 operations. Bamboo Airways did not respond to a request for comment.
Following the return of the E190s to CDB Aviation, Bamboo will be left with two A320-200s, two A320-200Ns, and four A321-200s. After the carrier flirted with bankruptcy last year and decided to restructure, it has returned many aircraft to their owners, including its entire B787 fleet, resulting in a smaller airline flying to fewer destinations. However, it has said it would like to start rebuilding capacity and is targeting 18 aircraft by the end of 2024.
