ATR Unveils Regional Aviation Potential in Vietnam
ATR, the Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer, has revealed a comprehensive study that explores the untapped potential of regional aviation in Vietnam’s rapidly growing travel market and economy. The findings, presented in the whitepaper “Propelling Vietnam’s Regional Aviation” and conducted in partnership with Vietnamese transport consultancy TEDI, were unveiled at the “Unlocking Vietnam’s Regional Aviation” workshop in Hanoi on March 13, 2025. The study highlights how the development of regional aviation can significantly enhance connectivity within the country by offering new and convenient travel options that work in tandem with Vietnam’s existing transport infrastructure.
The whitepaper reveals that a striking 90% of Vietnam’s domestic air traffic is concentrated at only 10 of the nation’s 22 airports, leaving many regional airports severely underutilized. In addition, approximately 25% of domestic flights cover distances under 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) but are operated by larger aircraft, reducing overall efficiency in terms of cost and flight frequency. ATR suggests that regional aviation, with appropriately sized aircraft, could provide a much-needed boost to connectivity across secondary cities and remote communities, allowing these regions to benefit from the country’s robust economic growth.
Jean-Pierre Clercin, Head of Region Asia Pacific at ATR, emphasized that regional aviation holds immense potential for improving mobility throughout Vietnam. He explained that by complementing surface-based transport options such as road and rail, a more efficient network of smaller aircraft could strengthen the nation’s network of secondary cities. This would not only ease the pressure on major hubs but also optimize the utilization of existing regional airports. As domestic air travel in Vietnam is projected to grow by more than 20% between 2023 and 2027, ATR believes that the increasing demand necessitates a more robust and interconnected air transport network. The company has identified that deploying 25 ATR 72-600 aircraft would be essential to effectively connect 87 currently unserved domestic routes within a range of 300 nautical miles, a measure that could dramatically enhance regional connectivity and support the nation’s broader economic ambitions.
Vietnam’s government plans to expand the network of approved commercial airports from 22 to 30 by 2030, a move that further underscores the strategic importance of regional aviation. The expansion plan is designed to ensure that more communities are connected and that the full economic potential of the country is unlocked. ATR’s study indicates that investing in regional aviation could not only reduce congestion at major airports but also drive substantial benefits for local communities by facilitating easier travel for both people and goods.
The study builds on previous initiatives by ATR, which in October 2024 launched a series of video campaigns highlighting the positive impact of regional air connectivity in Indonesia. Those campaigns, featuring personal testimonials from local residents, illustrated how air travel is vital for the mobility of individuals and the flow of commerce in an archipelagic nation. With Vietnam facing similar challenges in connecting its diverse regions, ATR’s whitepaper offers a strategic roadmap for harnessing regional aviation to drive economic growth and improve national connectivity. The study provides compelling evidence that targeted investments in regional aircraft and infrastructure can pave the way for a more efficient and inclusive aviation network across Vietnam.
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