VietJet Expands Fleet with Two Chinese COMAC ARJ21s
VietJet to Launch China’s COMAC ARJ21-700 Jets on Domestic Routes in 2025
VietJet, the leading low-cost carrier in Vietnam, is making headlines as it prepares to become the first Vietnamese airline to introduce Chinese-manufactured COMAC ARJ21-700 jets for domestic flights. This groundbreaking deployment is set to commence in mid-April 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s operations and the Vietnamese aviation industry.
Following a recent company announcement, VietJet plans to launch these advanced aircraft on critical routes connecting the Vietnamese mainland to Con Dao Island. The importance of this move has surged after Bamboo Airways suspended its services, which previously monopolized flights to Con Dao Airport (VCS). With Bamboo Airways halting operations, the island faced the risk of being isolated from air travel, leaving ferries as the only means of transport for travelers.
Scheduled Flights and Aircraft Details
According to an internal document from VietJet reviewed by Reuters, the airline will operate a total of four round-trip flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Con Dao and another four from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to the island, starting on April 15, 2025. This launch will officially introduce the COMAC ARJ21-700, also known as the C909, into the Vietnamese market.
To facilitate these new routes, VietJet is leasing two ARJ21-700 jets from Chengdu Airlines in China. Key specifications of the aircraft include:
- Aircraft Registration B-652G: 2.8 years old, featuring a 90-seat all-economy configuration.
- Aircraft Registration B-656E: 1.7 years old, also equipped with a 90-seat all-economy layout.
Currently, VietJet operates a diverse fleet of 113 aircraft, which includes:
- 29 Airbus A320-200s
- 42 Airbus A321-200s
- 35 Airbus A321neos
- 7 Airbus A330-300s
This extensive fleet serves both domestic and international routes, showcasing VietJet’s commitment to providing affordable and efficient air travel.
The Implications for Vietnamese Aviation
The introduction of the COMAC ARJ21-700 jets is not only a strategic move for VietJet but also a significant step for the Vietnamese aviation sector. By diversifying its fleet with Chinese-manufactured aircraft, VietJet is positioning itself to enhance competition in the domestic market and improve connectivity to popular destinations like Con Dao.
For more information on VietJet’s fleet and services, you can visit their official website.
Conclusion
As VietJet gears up for this exciting development in 2025, travelers can look forward to enhanced air connectivity to Con Dao Island. What are your thoughts on this new addition to VietJet’s fleet? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below or explore related articles for more insights into the evolving landscape of aviation in Vietnam.
