Hanoi, November 22 - Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet Air is set to resume operations with Chinese-made COMAC C909 jets next week, marking a pivotal step in bolstering regional aviation ties amid surging holiday travel demand. Sources close to the matter reveal that the low-cost carrier, known for its aggressive expansion across Southeast Asia, will reinstate four daily flights to the picturesque Con Dao archipelago starting November 25. This move follows a brief one-month suspension in October, when the initial six-month wet lease agreement expired, temporarily grounding services on the short-haul route constrained by the island's modest 1,800-meter runway. By reintroducing the efficient 90-seat regional aircraft, Vietjet aims to enhance connectivity to this popular tourist haven, where pristine beaches and historic sites draw eco-conscious travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path escapes.
The renewed partnership with China's Chengdu Airlines mirrors the original setup, encompassing not just the two C909 jets but also comprehensive support, including pilots, maintenance, and operational oversight. This strategic wet lease arrangement underscores Vietjet's pragmatic approach to fleet diversification, complementing its core roster of over 100 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. While the pause stemmed from elevated operating costs and lingering regulatory hurdles, insiders note that Vietnam's aviation authorities fast-tracked approvals earlier this year, influenced by high-level diplomatic engagements like Chinese President Xi Jinping's April visit to Hanoi. For COMAC, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, this resumption represents a quiet victory in its quest for international validation, as the C909—commercially active since 2016—competes with established rivals like Embraer's E-Jets in emerging markets.
Beyond the immediate route revival, Vietjet's decision signals broader implications for COMAC's global ambitions. The state-backed planemaker is simultaneously ramping up promotions for its flagship C919 narrow-body jet, a direct challenger to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, with recent showcases at events like the Dubai Airshow. Although Western certification delays and supply chain dependencies on U.S. components have tempered overseas adoption, successes in Southeast Asia—spanning Indonesia's TransNusa and Laos' Lao Airlines—have already ferried over 250,000 passengers on 15 regional routes. Vietjet's commitment, coupled with ongoing evaluations of additional COMAC leasing options pending regulatory nods, could catalyze further orders, positioning China as a formidable player in sustainable aviation solutions tailored for high-density, short-haul networks.
As Vietjet navigates post-pandemic recovery with record passenger growth, this COMAC resurgence aligns with Vietnam's aviation boom, projected to see air traffic double by 2030. By leveraging fuel-efficient Chinese jets for niche routes, the airline not only curbs costs but also fosters economic bridges between Hanoi and Beijing, potentially unlocking joint ventures in green tech and route development. For travelers, it promises more affordable access to Vietnam's hidden gems, while COMAC edges closer to proving its mettle on the world stage.
