VietJet Expands China Routes, Leases 10 COMAC C909 Jets
VietJet Air is accelerating its expansion into China, launching five new routes and securing additional aircraft capacity, even as many global carriers scale back operations due to high fuel costs.
On April 15, the airline announced new direct services linking Vietnam with key Chinese cities. The routes include Hanoi–Hangzhou, Hanoi–Enshi, Hanoi–Huangshan, Huangshan–Ho Chi Minh City, and Ho Chi Minh City–Guilin. Initial services on Hanoi–Enshi and Ho Chi Minh City–Guilin began in early April with one to two weekly flights, while the Hangzhou and Huangshan routes are expected to follow in the coming months.
The network expansion is clearly focused on China’s second- and third-tier cities. Destinations such as Enshi, Huangshan, and Guilin are well-known tourism hubs, while Hangzhou serves as a major gateway in the Yangtze River Delta. By establishing direct links to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, VietJet is strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and underserved regional markets in China, including areas such as the Wuling Mountains and southern Anhui.
This strategy reflects a broader shift toward capturing growth in emerging travel corridors rather than relying solely on major metropolitan hubs. As outbound and regional tourism demand evolves, secondary cities are becoming increasingly important sources of passenger traffic.
Beyond route expansion, VietJet is also deepening its aviation partnerships with China. In 2025, the airline introduced two C909 aircraft, manufactured by COMAC, through a wet-lease agreement with Chengdu Airlines. These aircraft were deployed on domestic Vietnamese routes, marking the first commercial operation of Chinese-made jets in the country.
More recently, VietJet signed a finance lease agreement with SPDB Financial Leasing to acquire 10 additional C909 aircraft. The agreement was reached during a high-level visit by Vietnam’s leadership to China and forms part of a broader package of bilateral cooperation initiatives.
The combination of new routes and fleet expansion underscores VietJet’s long-term commitment to the China market. By aligning network growth with aircraft sourcing and strategic partnerships, the airline is positioning itself to capitalize on rising regional demand while diversifying its operational footprint.
As other carriers remain cautious, VietJet’s expansion highlights a more aggressive growth strategy focused on emerging markets and cross-border connectivity between Vietnam and China’s rapidly developing regional destinations.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=VietJet, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/aircraft-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com