The first of Vietnam Airlines' 10 new Airbus A321 passenger jets arrived at Noi Bai international airport on Thursday, according to the national carrier.

The plane, which will take off before Tet [the Lunar New Year], is the first arrival from a contract Vietnam Airlines signed with Airbus in December 2004.

Under the contract, five other A321 will be delivered later this year, the company said. Three are scheduled to arrive next year, and the last one in 2009.

The country's flagship airline said the deal would give it a modern fleet and allow more frequent flights.

The purchases were financed by France's Calyon Bank and other European credit institutions, said the corporation.

A320 and A321 are considered Airbus' high-tech lines. The aircraft are suitable for both domestic and international flights, the company said.

Vietnam Airlines will have a total of 16 A321s by 2009.