AIRSHOW-Airbus sticks to order target after Vietnam deal

PARIS, June 16 (Reuters) - Airbus (EAD.PA) is sticking to a target for 300 gross aircraft orders this year after it won a deal worth around $1.9 billion from Vietnam Airlines, sales chief John Leahy told Reuters on Tuesday.

"Of course, the figure could be less, but I'm keeping this target of 300," Leahy said at the Paris Air Show.

Vietnam Airlines ordered 16 single-aisle A321 aircraft worth $1.4 billion at list prices on Tuesday as it expands its regional and domestic route networks.

The carrier also told a news conference it had signed a memorandum of understanding for two additional wide-body A350-900s worth $480 million. It placed a firm order for 10 A350 XWBs in December 2007

"Vietnam will remain one of the key growth markets in Asia in coming years," Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders told the news conference.

Tuesday's deal increases the total number of orders placed by Vietnam Airlines for A321 to 41, of which 14 have already been delivered.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates a fleet of 52 aircraft and flies to 19 domestic and 23 international destinations.