According to COMAC, two of its C919 narrow-body jets have been leased by China's Chengdu Airlines to Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet. These aircraft have been deployed on routes connecting Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, with Con Dao Island, located off the southern coast of the country. Additionally, the C919 will operate flights between Vietnam's bustling business hub, Ho Chi Minh City, and Con Dao Island.
This route launch signifies the beginning of COMAC's commercial operations within Vietnam, representing a notable achievement for the Chinese planemaker as it seeks to compete in the global aviation market. The introduction of the C919 into VietJet's fleet will provide the Vietnamese airline with a new aircraft option for its domestic routes.
The C919 is a narrow-body, single-aisle jet airliner developed by COMAC. It is seen as China's effort to break the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus in the commercial aircraft market. The aircraft has been undergoing testing and certification for several years, and its entry into commercial service with Chengdu Airlines in China was a key milestone. Its deployment in Vietnam with VietJet represents its first foray into the international commercial aviation sector.
VietJet Air is a low-cost carrier based in Vietnam. Founded in 2007, it has rapidly grown to become one of the major airlines in the region, operating a substantial fleet on both domestic and international routes. The addition of the COMAC C919 aircraft to its fleet will be closely watched by the aviation industry as it marks a new chapter in the aircraft's commercial journey outside of China.