In the coming month, Vietravel Airlines will acquire two additional Airbus A320 aircraft. This move follows roughly six months after businessman Hien’s corporate group became a strategic shareholder in the airline.
The first aircraft owned by Vietravel Airlines during its welcoming ceremony at Noi Bai International Airport on June 28. Photo: Vietravel Airlines
The newly acquired aircraft had previously been operated by U.S.-based Spirit Airlines. The Airbus A321 received its airworthiness certification on July 10, 2015.
Ho Minh Tan, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said the delivery of Vietravel Airlines’ first owned aircraft represents the fulfillment of T&T Group’s commitment to strengthening the airline. He added that the new fleet ownership will give the carrier greater autonomy in its operations and provide momentum for its future development strategy.
Recently, Vietravel Airlines has faced operational challenges as its fleet had been reduced to just one Airbus A321. With the arrival of new aircraft, the airline announced plans to increase flight frequency on routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon, as well as select international destinations in the region.
According to Do Vinh Quang, Chairman of Vietravel Airlines, the acquisition of the Airbus A321 is not only a milestone in building a modern fleet but also a demonstration of the airline’s financial strength and operational capability.
The carrier is currently in active negotiations with major global aircraft manufacturers and international airlines to establish comprehensive, long-term strategic partnerships.
Vietravel Airlines was approved by the government in April 2020 with an initial registered capital of VND 700 billion. In January 2021, the airline operated its first commercial flight. It is Vietnam’s sixth airline and the third private carrier in the country.
Since late last year, business entities affiliated with T&T Group have become strategic shareholders of Vietravel Airlines, holding a 75% ownership stake.
Investor Hien and Vietravel Airlines Chairman Do Vinh Quang aboard the newly acquired Airbus A321. Photo: Vietravel Airlines
At its recent annual general meeting, Vietravel Airlines’ shareholders approved an increase in charter capital from VND 1,300 billion to VND 2,600 billion. The capital increase, expected in the first half of 2026, aims to strengthen financial capacity for fleet expansion, business scale-up, and to ensure liquidity and maintain sound financial ratios. This plan will be implemented with the participation and support of SHB Bank.
Looking ahead, Vietravel Airlines intends to leverage resources from both T&T Group and Vietravel over the next five years. The airline is positioning itself to build an integrated aviation ecosystem that combines air transport, tourism, and digital experiences. The company has even set its sights on becoming one of the leading regional carriers by 2035.
Beyond passenger transport, Vietravel Airlines also plans to expand into cargo services. Together with T&T Group, the airline is preparing to develop ancillary services such as ground handling, warehousing, cargo operations, aviation engineering, and industrial services—efforts that will contribute to building a comprehensive aviation ecosystem in line with the development model pursued by Hien’s conglomerate.
