Overview

VietJet Air, legally Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company, is a Vietnamese low-cost airline headquartered in Hanoi. It was established in 2007 and became Vietnam's first privately owned airline, although regulatory, financial, branding, and partnership complications delayed the start of commercial operations for several years. The airline ultimately operated its first flight on 25 December 2011, linking Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. That launch made VietJet the second private airline to provide domestic service in Vietnam at the time and the fifth carrier overall to operate civil domestic flights in the country. The airline was originally conceived in part as a potential AirAsia franchise. AirAsia announced plans in 2010 to acquire a minority stake through a Vietnamese joint venture, but the proposal was abandoned in 2011 after the parties failed to secure the required regulatory approvals. VietJet consequently proceeded as an independent Vietnamese carrier. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao has served as the airline's president and chief executive since the beginning of its operating era in 2011, and the business has been associated with Sovico Holdings and HDBank as well as other corporate and individual investors. VietJet's commercial model is based on low base fares, high aircraft utilization, ancillary revenue, dense route scheduling, and a predominantly Airbus narrow-body fleet. Its core offering is scheduled passenger transportation, supplemented by paid seat selection, baggage, onboard sales, advertising, promotional partnerships, and other travel-related services. The company has also developed cargo and ground-handling activities. Its network began with Vietnamese trunk routes and expanded into destinations across Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, China, South Korea, Japan, India, and other international markets. The airline's international expansion began on 9 February 2013 with service between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Fleet growth has been central to VietJet's strategy. The carrier placed substantial Airbus A320-family orders during the 2010s and later pursued Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as part of a broader expansion plan. In 2024, it finalized an order for Airbus A330-900 wide-body aircraft, its first wide-body purchase, intended to replace or supplement leased wide-body capacity and support longer-range growth. It also announced further A321neo commitments in 2025. VietJet has used aircraft branding, advertising, sponsorships, and highly visible promotional campaigns to distinguish itself in a competitive market. The airline became a publicly traded company in February 2017, when its shares began trading on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange under the ticker VJC. Its initial public offering raised approximately US$167 million according to contemporary reporting and was described as the largest Vietnamese stock-market IPO at that time. VietJet has since remained one of Vietnam's most prominent private aviation companies and a major competitor to Vietnam Airlines and other domestic and regional carriers. VietJet has also attracted criticism and regulatory attention. Its promotional practices have included highly publicized onboard performances and advertising-oriented cabin or aircraft presentation. Operational incidents have included navigational errors, runway and taxiway events, weather-related disruptions, and a hard landing that injured passengers, although the reference material records no fatal accident involving the airline. In 2025, the transfer of ground-handling operations at Tan Son Nhat Airport to an in-house operation coincided with severe delays during a peak holiday period, prompting passenger complaints and scrutiny from Vietnam's aviation authorities. Despite these controversies, VietJet remains an active low-cost airline with an expanding international footprint.

History

VietJet Air was founded in 2007 during a period when Vietnam's commercial aviation market was opening to greater private-sector participation. It was the first privately owned airline established in Vietnam, but its route to commercial service was unusually prolonged. Early plans contemplated a late-2008 or 2009 launch, yet rising fuel prices, financial pressures, regulatory requirements, and disputes concerning branding and operating approvals repeatedly pushed the timetable back. The proposed relationship with Malaysia's AirAsia added another layer to the early corporate story. In February 2010, AirAsia announced plans to acquire a 30% interest through a joint venture. The arrangement did not proceed, and AirAsia withdrew in October 2011 after the parties failed to obtain Vietnamese regulatory approval. VietJet therefore continued as an independent carrier rather than an AirAsia franchise. The airline's maiden commercial flight took place on 25 December 2011 between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This established VietJet as Vietnam's second private domestic airline at launch and created a new low-fare competitor in a market historically dominated by state-linked aviation groups. VietJet expanded its domestic network and soon moved abroad. Its first international flight, from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, operated in February 2013. Passenger growth supported an aggressive fleet and route-development program. The carrier built its narrow-body fleet primarily around Airbus A320-family aircraft. It signed large Airbus commitments in the middle of the 2010s and separately announced a major Boeing 737 MAX order in 2016. Further A321 purchases and commitments followed. The scale of these agreements reflected VietJet's strategy of using a relatively standardized fleet to support high-frequency routes and rapid international expansion. VietJet became a public company in 2017. Its shares began trading on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange on 28 February at an initial price of VND90,000 per share. The offering raised approximately US$167 million according to the cited reference material. Public-market access gave the airline an additional source of capital and increased visibility among Vietnamese and international investors. Brand-building has been an important part of VietJet's commercial identity. The company has used distinctive promotional events, advertising placements, sponsored aircraft liveries, and entertainment-oriented marketing to stand out from more traditional full-service competitors. Some initiatives generated substantial media attention and criticism, including the use of bikini-clad models in a 2018 event associated with Vietnam's under-23 football team. The airline's promotional style has therefore been both a differentiator and a recurring source of controversy. Operationally, the carrier has experienced several non-fatal incidents, including mistaken or incorrect runway landings, weather events, a hard landing, and a runway excursion. These events led to investigations, suspensions, disciplinary actions, or public responses depending on the case. The reference material does not identify a fatal VietJet accident. In 2024, VietJet finalized a major Airbus A330-900 order, its first wide-body aircraft purchase. The order was intended to replace or supplement leased A330 capacity and support longer-range network growth. In 2025, the airline announced additional A321neo plans, operated leased Chinese regional jets for domestic service, pursued the VietJet Qazaqstan partnership, and expanded its announced China connectivity. At the same time, its transfer of Tan Son Nhat ground handling to an in-house operation caused serious service disruption during a peak travel period and prompted intervention from Vietnam's aviation authority. VietJet remains an active Vietnamese low-cost airline with a broadening regional and international network.

2025
Ground services brought in-house
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
The airline assumed ground handling at Tan Son Nhat Airport and subsequently faced major service disruption during the transition.
2024
First wide-body aircraft order
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
VietJet finalized an order for 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, its first wide-body purchase.
2018
Thai subsidiary fleet expansion
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Thai VietJet announced substantial Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo commitments at the Farnborough Airshow.
2017
IPO and HOSE listing
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
VietJet listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange under ticker VJC after raising approximately US$167 million.
2016
Boeing 737 MAX order announced
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
During a U.S. presidential visit to Vietnam, VietJet announced an agreement covering 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
2015
Additional A321 commitments
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
VietJet ordered additional Airbus A321 aircraft, including A321neo and A321ceo variants.
2014
Large Airbus fleet order
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
The airline firmed up an Airbus order for 60 A320-family aircraft at published list prices.
2013
International operations begin
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
VietJet opened its first international route between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
2011
AirAsia plan withdrawn and VietJet launches
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
AirAsia abandoned its proposed investment after regulatory approval was not obtained. VietJet then operated its first commercial flight on 25 December between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
2010
AirAsia franchise proposal announced
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
AirAsia announced plans to acquire a minority stake through a proposed Vietnamese joint venture.
2007
Airline established
[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
VietJet was founded and received initial approval to operate, becoming Vietnam's first privately owned airline.

Products and positioning

Low-cost airline emphasizing affordable fares, high-frequency regional connectivity, fleet expansion, and ancillary revenue.

Airline service · 2011
Domestic passenger flights
VietJet's original core business is scheduled domestic air travel within Vietnam. The network connects major population centers and tourism destinations, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City serving as important bases for high-frequency services. The low-cost model emphasizes competitive base fares while charging separately for selected ancillary services.
Airline service · 2013
International passenger flights
International service began with the Ho Chi Minh City–Bangkok route in 2013. VietJet has subsequently developed routes to markets across Southeast Asia, China, Northeast Asia, South Asia, and Australia, using narrow-body aircraft for regional flying and pursuing wide-body capacity for longer routes.
Travel services
Ancillary services
The airline's low-fare proposition is supported by ancillary products such as checked baggage, seat selection, onboard purchases, advertising, sponsorships, and other optional travel services. These offerings allow customers to select additional services while preserving a relatively low headline fare.
Cargo aviation
Air cargo
VietJet provides cargo capacity associated with its passenger network, including belly-hold transportation on scheduled flights. The cargo business supports trade and logistics links between Vietnam and international markets, although the supplied material does not specify a separate dedicated freighter fleet.
Airport services · 2025
Ground-handling services
VietJet has expanded beyond flying into airport support activities. In 2025 it moved ground handling at Tan Son Nhat Airport from an external partner to an in-house operation, later reorganized as Vietjet Ground Services and associated with Airport NEO Ground Services Company.

Controversies

2025
Tan Son Nhat ground-handling disruption
The transfer to in-house ground services at Tan Son Nhat coincided with terminal changes and peak holiday travel, causing extensive delays and passenger complaints. The aviation authority required additional staffing, equipment, and coordination.
Source
2018
Bikini-model football-team flight controversy
A promotional appearance by bikini-clad models on a flight carrying Vietnam's under-23 football team prompted criticism over the airline's marketing practices. The CEO apologized.
Source
2012
Unauthorized onboard dance performance
The aviation authority fined VietJet after a Hawaiian-themed performance was conducted without prior approval during a flight-related promotional event.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2018U-23 football-team promotional event
Vietnam
VietJet used models wearing bikinis on a flight carrying Vietnam's under-23 football team home. The event generated widespread criticism, and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao apologized publicly.
Outcome. High media visibility, criticism, and public apology.
Source
2012Maiden-flight promotional performance
Vietnam
VietJet arranged a Hawaiian-themed dance involving five women connected with a beauty contest during a flight associated with its service launch to Nha Trang. The airline had not obtained the required permission and was fined by Vietnam's aviation authority.
Outcome. Regulatory fine and public controversy.
Source
Sponsored aircraft liveries and onboard advertising
Vietnam · International markets
VietJet has used aircraft exteriors and other customer-facing airline assets for promotional and sponsorship content, making advertising a visible component of its brand identity.
Outcome. Ongoing commercial branding practice.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Bring Tan Son Nhat ground handling in-houseStrategy
Background
VietJet sought greater control over airport ground operations at its major Ho Chi Minh City base.
Action taken
The airline replaced former partner Saigon Ground Services with an in-house ground-handling operation.
Aftermath
The transition generated severe delays during a peak holiday period. Vietnam's aviation authority directed VietJet to increase staffing and equipment and coordinate with other ground-service providers.
Source
2025
VietJet Qazaqstan partnershipM&A
Background
VietJet pursued greater access to Central Asian aviation markets through cooperation with Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air.
Action taken
The two airlines announced a strategic partnership to form VietJet Qazaqstan.
Aftermath
The announced subsidiary was intended to strengthen regional connectivity, although the supplied material does not provide operating results.
Source
2024
First wide-body aircraft orderGeneration change
Background
VietJet wanted to replace or supplement leased wide-body aircraft and support longer-range international growth.
Action taken
The airline finalized a deal for 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft.
Aftermath
The agreement marked VietJet's first purchase of wide-body aircraft and created a platform for further long-haul expansion.
Published deal value. US$7.4 billion (July 2024 announcement)
Source
2017
Public listing on HOSEOther
Background
VietJet sought public-market capital and greater corporate visibility.
Action taken
The company completed an IPO and listed under ticker VJC on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Aftermath
The listing became one of the largest Vietnamese stock-market IPOs at the time and broadened the company's investor base.
IPO proceeds. Approximately US$167 million (February 2017)
Source
2016
Boeing 737 MAX fleet planGeneration change
Background
The airline sought additional capacity and fleet options for its expansion program.
Action taken
VietJet announced an agreement for 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Aftermath
The planned fleet did not develop exactly as originally announced; the reference material notes that an early 737 MAX 200 aircraft was ultimately delivered to another airline.
Source
2014
Scale-up of Airbus narrow-body fleetGeneration change
Background
VietJet needed additional aircraft to support domestic growth and regional expansion.
Action taken
The airline firmed up a major order for Airbus A320-family aircraft.
Aftermath
Further A321 and A321neo commitments followed as the carrier expanded its network.
Published list-price value. US$6.4 billion (2014 announcement)
Source
2011
Proceed as an independent airlineStrategy
Background
A proposed AirAsia investment and franchise-style partnership failed to obtain Vietnamese regulatory approval.
Action taken
VietJet continued toward launch as an independent Vietnamese low-cost carrier.
Aftermath
The airline began operations in December 2011 and developed its own brand and network.
Source

Recent events

2025
VietJet transfers Tan Son Nhat ground handling in-house[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Leadership change · Other · Regulation
VietJet took over ground-handling activities at Tan Son Nhat Airport from Saigon Ground Services. The change coincided with peak holiday demand and terminal changes, producing widespread delays and passenger complaints.
2025
VietJet announces new China routes[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The airline announced new links involving Beijing Daxing and Guangzhou from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with service planned to begin from March 2025.
2025
VietJet and Qazaq Air announce VietJet Qazaqstan partnership[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
M&A
VietJet and Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air announced a strategic partnership to establish VietJet Qazaqstan.
2025
VietJet ground-service transition causes major delays[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Regulation · Other
Hundreds of flights were reportedly delayed during the transition to in-house ground services at Tan Son Nhat. Vietnam's aviation authority instructed the airline to deploy sufficient personnel and equipment and coordinate with other service providers.
2024
VietJet orders Airbus A330-900 aircraft[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Product generation · Product launch
The airline finalized an order for 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, representing its first wide-body aircraft purchase.
2017
VietJet completes Ho Chi Minh City stock-market listing[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Other
VietJet completed an IPO and listed its shares on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange under VJC.
2013
VietJet launches first international route[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The carrier opened its first international service between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
2011
VietJet begins commercial operations[1]VietJet Airen.wikipedia.org
Other
The airline operated its first flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on 25 December 2011 after several years of launch delays.

Related entries

Thai VietJet Air