VietJet’s Shocking Move: Chinese Aircraft Take Flight Soon!

Budget Airline’s Bold Leap Stirs Excitement and Debate

Vietnamese budget airline VietJet is gearing up to make waves in the aviation industry by introducing Chinese-made COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft, also known as C909, into its domestic flight operations starting mid-April 2025. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant shift for VietJet, traditionally reliant on Airbus and Boeing fleets, and has sparked a mix of anticipation and skepticism among travelers, industry experts, and aviation enthusiasts. With plans to launch flights on key domestic routes, this move not only diversifies VietJet’s aircraft lineup but also signals a potential turning point for Chinese aviation technology in Southeast Asia. Here’s an in-depth look at what this means for VietJet, its passengers, and the broader aviation landscape.

Why VietJet Is Turning to COMAC ARJ21-700 Aircraft

VietJet’s decision to operate Chinese-made COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft on domestic routes stems from a combination of practical needs and strategic planning. The airline, known for its rapid growth in Vietnam’s booming aviation market, has faced challenges in securing enough aircraft to meet surging travel demand, especially during peak seasons like the Lunar New Year. Previously, VietJet canceled orders for Embraer ERJ 190 jets, leaving a gap in its fleet for smaller, regional aircraft suited to destinations like Con Dao Island, which features a notoriously short runway. The COMAC ARJ21-700, with its capacity of 78 to 97 seats and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, fits this niche perfectly, offering a cost-effective solution through a wet-lease agreement with COMAC. This arrangement, reported in late 2024, allows VietJet to bolster its operations without the long-term commitment of purchasing new planes outright.

Beyond logistics, this move reflects VietJet’s willingness to explore alternatives to Western manufacturers amid global supply chain constraints and rising costs. The Vietnamese Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV) has played a pivotal role, conducting an extensive evaluation of the ARJ21-700, including a factory visit to COMAC’s Shanghai facilities in January 2025. Their findings confirmed the aircraft’s production scale, with 160 units delivered to 12 airlines by early 2025, suggesting a level of reliability that VietJet is banking on to maintain its competitive edge in the budget airline sector.

VietJet’s New Domestic Routes with Chinese Aircraft

Starting April 15, 2025, VietJet plans to deploy the COMAC ARJ21-700 on two key domestic routes: Hanoi to Con Dao Island and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island. Each route will feature four daily flights, catering to the growing popularity of Con Dao as a tourist hotspot. Known for its pristine beaches and historical significance, Con Dao’s airport poses unique challenges due to its limited runway length, making larger jets impractical. The ARJ21-700’s design, comparable to the ATR-72 and Embraer E175, makes it an ideal fit for these operations, ensuring VietJet can connect major urban hubs with this remote destination efficiently.

This expansion isn’t just about adding flights; it’s about enhancing accessibility for Vietnamese travelers while testing the waters with Chinese aviation technology. VietJet’s statement, reviewed by Reuters, underscores the airline’s confidence in the aircraft’s ability to handle these routes, though the company has yet to respond to further inquiries about long-term plans. For passengers, this could mean more affordable travel options to Con Dao, a route that has historically been underserved due to its logistical constraints.

COMAC ARJ21-700 Specifications and Safety Record

The COMAC ARJ21-700, rebranded as C909 in November 2024, is China’s first regionally developed turbofan jet, designed to compete with models like the Bombardier CRJ-900 and Embraer E175. Boasting a seating capacity of 78 to 97 passengers, it’s powered by General Electric CF34-10A engines and features advanced components from global suppliers like Germany’s Liebherr. Its supercritical wing design, complete with a 25-degree sweepback and winglets, enhances fuel efficiency and performance, making it well-suited for Vietnam’s short-haul domestic network. With a range spanning 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, it can easily cover the distances between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Con Dao.

Safety remains a hot topic, especially given public skepticism about Chinese-made aircraft quality. Social media platforms like X have buzzed with mixed reactions, with some users hailing it as a bold diversification move while others question its reliability. However, the ARJ21-700 has been in commercial service since June 2016 with Chengdu Airlines and has transported over 13 million passengers, primarily in China, without major reported incidents. The CAAV’s rigorous assessment, including recognition of China’s CAAC certifications, further bolsters confidence in its airworthiness. While it’s not immune to scrutiny, its track record suggests it’s a viable option for VietJet’s needs.

Broader Implications for Vietnam and Global Aviation

VietJet’s adoption of Chinese-made COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft carries implications far beyond its immediate operations. For Vietnam, it strengthens economic ties with China, a key trading partner, and could pave the way for further collaboration in aviation manufacturing. It also reduces VietJet’s reliance on Western giants like Airbus and Boeing, potentially lowering costs in a market where budget travel reigns supreme. On a global scale, this move amplifies COMAC’s push into international markets, following its foothold in Indonesia with TransNusa since 2022. If successful, it could challenge the dominance of established players in the regional jet sector.

Public and industry reactions are split. Some see it as a savvy business decision, with X user @AlvaApp calling it a “game-changer” for fleet diversification, while others express caution over perceived risks. Geopolitically, it aligns with China’s broader ambition to rival Western aviation technology, though its reliance on foreign parts like GE engines tempers concerns about fully indigenous production. For VietJet, the stakes are high: success could solidify its reputation as an innovative budget carrier, while any hiccups might fuel doubts about Chinese aircraft in international skies.

Detailed Table of VietJet’s COMAC ARJ21-700 Operations

To give readers a clear snapshot, here’s a detailed breakdown of VietJet’s planned operations with the COMAC ARJ21-700:

Aspect	Details
Start Date	April 15, 2025
Routes	Hanoi to Con Dao Island, Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island
Number of Flights	4 flights each route daily
Aircraft Capacity	78 to 97 seats
Range	2,225 to 3,700 kilometers
Safety Concerns	Public skepticism exists, but no major incidents reported
Approval Status	CAAV proposed approval, pending final confirmation

This table encapsulates the operational scope, technical specs, and ongoing discussions surrounding safety and regulatory approval, offering a quick reference for those tracking VietJet’s bold venture.

What This Means for Travelers and the Industry

For Vietnamese travelers, VietJet’s use of COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft promises more flight options to destinations like Con Dao, potentially at lower fares thanks to the budget airline’s cost-conscious model. The aircraft’s smaller size ensures it can serve regional routes that larger jets can’t, enhancing connectivity across Vietnam’s diverse geography. Industry watchers, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on how this experiment unfolds. A smooth rollout could encourage other Southeast Asian carriers to consider Chinese aircraft, reshaping procurement trends in a region where air travel demand is skyrocketing.

VietJet’s leap into this uncharted territory isn’t without risks, but it’s a calculated gamble backed by regulatory oversight and operational necessity. As April 15, 2025, approaches, all eyes will be on these Chinese-made jets as they take to Vietnam’s skies, testing both their performance and the public’s perception. Whether this marks the dawn of a new era in budget aviation or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but it’s undeniably a story worth watching.

Key Citations

• Wikipedia Comac C909 details
• Reuters Vietnam’s VietJet to Operate Chinese-Made Aircraft
• Simple Flying Why VietJet Air Is Leasing 2 COMAC C909s
• VnExpress Vietjet Wants to Lease Two Comac Aircraft for Con Dao
• RFA COMAC and Vietjet Partnership in Vietnam
• FL360 Aero Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority Proposes Approval
• Vietnam.vn Vietjet Plans to Charter Chinese Aircraft for Tet
• Vietnam.vn Vietnamese Airline Plans to Charter Chinese Planes
• Airframer COMAC C909 Program Supplier Guide
• Simple Flying 14 Years Ago The COMAC ARJ21 Made Its First Flight
• COMAC ARJ21 Official Product Page
• Airliners.net Is Vietjet Getting Some COMAC Aircraft Discussion
• X post by HimanshuSh80843 on VietJet and COMAC
• X post by AlvaApp on VietJet’s Strategic Move
• X post by fl360aero on VietJet’s COMAC Operations
• X post by Reuters on VietJet’s COMAC Announcement