According to a report by Reuters on April 5 local time, a company statement seen by Reuters showed that VietJet Air of Vietnam will operate China-made COMAC C909 aircraft for the first time on domestic routes in the country in mid-April.

The statement showed that VietJet Air plans to use C909 aircraft to operate four flights between Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and the Con Dao Islands starting from April 15. On the same day, the company will also operate four flights between Ho Chi Minh City and the Con Dao Islands using C909 aircraft.

VietJet Air did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Public information shows that VietJet Air began operations in 2011 and is Vietnam's second largest airline, as well as the country's first and largest private airline. The company operates 197 domestic and international routes between Vietnam and Thailand, with its fleet mainly consisting of 78 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

The C909 aircraft (formerly ARJ21) is a turbofan支线 passenger aircraft independently developed in China, with a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers. This model has been delivered 162 units and has cumulatively operated 645 routes, served 158 cities, and safely transported more than 20 million passengers.

On November 16, 2024, in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, at the 15th China Aviation Exhibition, COMAC C909 conducted flight demonstrations. Visual China

According to a report by Vietnam News Agency on March 13, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam issued a document reporting to the government on the survey situation of COMAC C909 regional aircraft, stating that since its operation, "no accidents or serious safety incidents have occurred." Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam suggested that the government modify relevant regulations for the operation of COMAC aircraft in Vietnam to facilitate the import of Chinese aircraft.

In the report, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam pointed out that in January this year, the agency sent a working delegation to investigate and examine China Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) in Shanghai to understand the technical overview, operation, maintenance, design standards, manufacturing, testing, and certification process of C909 aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam found that there are only minor differences in airworthiness standards between China and Vietnam, thus assessing that recognizing China's design and manufacturing standards will "open up new spaces and development momentum for Vietnam's aviation industry" against the backdrop of a shortage of aircraft in the country.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam suggested that the government modify relevant regulations for the operation of COMAC aircraft in Vietnam and recommended that the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Transport recognize China's aircraft design and manufacturing certifications and strengthen cooperation with the Civil Aviation Administration of China and COMAC.

According to the South China Morning Post, the latest series of signs indicate that Vietnam is moving toward approving the purchase of its first batch of domestically manufactured passenger aircraft, which will promote China's efforts to expand its domestic jet market overseas.

Reuters previously reported that COMAC has long regarded Vietnam as a potential market. In February last year, COMAC held a commercial aircraft exhibition and flight demonstration event at Yuntun International Airport in Yun Tun County, Quang Ninh Province, introducing two aircraft, C919 and C909, to Vietnam.

Last December, VietJet Air signed a lease contract to begin leasing two COMAC C909 aircraft from 2025. In addition to VietJet Air, Le Hong Ha, CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said last November that if C919 is certified, they would consider placing an order.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7490024315413381672/

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