Vietnam’s largest private carrier, Vietjet, is adding new Airbus jets almost every month, and each time one enters service, the airline announces new routes and more frequencies on popular routes. With the year-end and Lunar New Year holidays fast approaching, Vietjet announced new routes to Malaysia and Taiwan, opening more international connections from its two main hubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

More affordable travel options from Vietjet

On Saturday, October 5, Vietjet announced it is significantly boosting air connectivity across the region and providing additional affordable travel options during the year-end and New Year festive season. Vietjet is launching new services and increasing flight frequencies on routes linking Vietnam’s two largest cities with key Asian destinations.

Vietjet Airbus A321neo

Photo: Airbus

Where the two new routes are flying

On November 28, 2024, Viejet will commence its new international service connecting Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The route will operate with a daily return service, marking Vietjet’s second service between Vietnam and Malaysia, complementing the daily flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).

The second service announced yesterday was the resumption of flights between Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International (SGN) and Taiwan Tainan Airport (TNN) from December 12, 2024. This route will give nonstop links between Vietnam’s largest metropolis and economic hub and Taiwan’s historic Tainan, the oldest city on the island, which was formerly named Taoyuan.

More new aircraft means more flights for Vietjet

With passenger demand already high, Vietjet is getting ready for the peak season by increasing flights on some of its popular Asian routes, particularly from Vietnam to Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. The Vietjet Group has more than 100 Airbus aircraft to service its growing network, with more A321neo Family jets due to arrive this year.

Vietjet Fleet Tails at airport

Photo: Vietjet

The fleet, including Thai Vietjet aircraft, includes 29 Airbus A320-200s, 42 A321-200s, 25 A321neos and seven A330-300s, with an average age of 8.2 years. On October 27, Vietjet is increasing services to daily on routes connecting Hanoi Noi Bai International (HAN) to Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Nagoya (Japan).

Vietjet Airbus A330 16:9

Photo: Vietjet

Vietjet is also moving to daily flights on the Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane Wattay International (VTE) in Laos route, while also boosting services between Hanoi and Busan (South Korea) to 14 round-trips per week. The last change is on the Ho Chi Minh City to Bali route which will increase to 49 one way flights per week.

All these new jets need financing

Last week, Vietjet exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Irish-based aircraft lessor, Castlelake. The MoU covers the financing of four Airbus A321neo aircraft valued at $560 million from Vietjet’s existing order with Airbus which will be delivered this year.

VietJet Airbus A321neo

Photo: Airbus

The new deal complements one made in 2023 between Vietjet and Castlelake for three A321neos and lays the foundation for future cooperation on financing agreements related to Vietjet’s rapidly growing fleet. Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong said the agreement aligns with Vietjet’s strategy to expand its fleet and global flight network.

“Backed by international financing, Vietjet continues to provide safe, comfortable and cost-effective flights on new, modern aircraft, connecting travelers to exciting global destinations.”

Castlelake was founded in 2005 and has invested directly or indirectly in more than 650 aircraft of various types and developed relationships with approximately 200 airlines spanning more than 60 countries worldwide. Financing deals like this also support the growth and build credibility in emerging airlines, such as Vietjet which contunes to grow across Asia-Pacific.

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