Viet Nam’s low-cost airline VietJet is set to begin operating Chinese-made aircraft on domestic routes starting mid-April 2025, marking a notable shift in its fleet strategy and signaling growing aviation ties between Viet Nam and China.
The airline plans to deploy the COMAC ARJ21 regional jets—China’s homegrown aircraft—on selected domestic routes, aiming to boost operational efficiency and expand capacity amid rising demand for affordable air travel within the country.
This decision has drawn attention across the aviation industry, as it positions VietJet among the first non-Chinese airlines to incorporate Chinese-manufactured planes into regular passenger service, a move that could influence other carriers in Southeast Asia.
While some passengers and analysts remain cautious about aircraft quality and safety perceptions, VietJet insists that the jets meet international standards, and the airline’s bold move reflects a broader strategy of cost optimization and diversification in a highly competitive market.
