Chinese aircraft maker COMAC officially began commercial operations in Vietnam on Saturday, marking a major milestone in its international expansion. Two COMAC C909 jets, leased from China’s Chengdu Airlines, are now flying local routes for VietJet, a Vietnamese low-cost carrier. The jets are serving popular domestic routes, including flights between Hanoi and Con Dao Island, and between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao.
COMAC’s First Commercial Entry into Vietnam
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) announced that this is the first time its aircraft are operating commercially in Vietnam. The two C909 jets were delivered under a leasing agreement with Chengdu Airlines, a Chinese carrier that has supported COMAC’s regional growth.
This move highlights COMAC’s strategy to enter Southeast Asian markets by partnering with established local carriers. By working with VietJet, one of Vietnam’s leading budget airlines, COMAC is looking to showcase its aircraft in real-world service conditions outside of China.
“This marks a new chapter in COMAC’s global journey,” the company said in a public statement on Saturday.
VietJet Adds New Aircraft to Key Domestic Routes
The newly introduced COMAC C909 jets are now in operation on two important domestic routes:
- Hanoi to Con Dao Island: Connecting the capital with a growing tourist destination.
- Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island: Linking Vietnam’s largest city with the island in the south.
These routes are popular with both tourists and business travelers. By introducing new aircraft, VietJet aims to improve passenger experience while reducing operating costs.
A VietJet spokesperson noted, “We’re always exploring new aircraft options that are reliable, cost-effective, and meet our passengers’ needs.”
What Is the COMAC C909?
The COMAC C909 is a narrow-body aircraft designed for short to medium-haul routes. It competes with global models like the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. Although its international presence is still limited, the C909 is part of China’s long-term ambition to challenge Western aviation giants.
Key features of the C909 include:
- Seating capacity of around 150 passengers
- Fuel-efficient engines for lower emissions
- Modern cabin design focused on comfort
By operating in Vietnam, COMAC gets an opportunity to show its aircraft’s performance in tropical climates and on busy commercial routes.
Vietnam: A Strategic Market for COMAC
Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The country has seen rapid increases in air travel demand, especially on domestic routes. With a growing middle class and rising tourism, airlines are under pressure to expand their fleets quickly and affordably.
COMAC’s entry is timely. The Vietnamese aviation sector is open to new players that can offer quality and competitive pricing. While Boeing and Airbus dominate the market, COMAC’s arrival offers airlines like VietJet a chance to diversify their fleets.
Aviation analyst Le Anh Tuan shared with Wallstreet Updates, “Vietnam’s aviation landscape is changing fast. COMAC stepping in shows how seriously China is pushing its aviation exports.”
COMAC’s Regional Ambitions
This move is not limited to Vietnam. COMAC is actively seeking customers in other Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. These markets are attractive due to their strong domestic air travel and growing demand for budget-friendly airline services.
The partnership with VietJet may serve as a test case. If the C909 performs well, it could pave the way for larger deals in the region.
China’s Push to Export Aviation Technology
The launch of commercial flights in Vietnam aligns with China’s wider push to become a global player in high-tech industries. Aviation is a key part of this plan.
Beijing has supported COMAC with funding and regulatory backing. The company’s flagship aircraft, including the C919 and ARJ21, are part of China’s efforts to reduce reliance on Western technology in vital sectors.
With successful launches in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia, and now Vietnam, COMAC is gradually building trust among foreign carriers.
COMAC’s entry into Vietnam’s commercial aviation sector with the C909 is a major step in the company’s global expansion. By leasing aircraft to VietJet and operating key domestic routes, the Chinese planemaker is positioning itself as a serious competitor in Southeast Asia.
As the aviation market in Vietnam continues to grow, more partnerships and fleet updates are expected in the near future. COMAC’s success in this venture could influence future fleet decisions across the region.
