Vietnam has issued a new decree broadening its aircraft import framework to allow certification from aviation authorities i nChina, Russia, Brazil, Canada, and the UK — a move expected to benefit airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet as they seek to expand their fleets, CafeF is reporting.
Notably, Boeing jet purchases have been frequently touted as a means to ease the trade differential between Vietnam and the United states. In fact, Vietjet is reportedly gearing up to accept the first of 200 Boeing aircraft part of an order worth US$24 billion. That said, the announcement also comes in the wake of a visit to Vietnam by the Chinese president amid a significantly escalated trade war between the US and China. That is to say, there seems to be a lot to read between the lines here.
Key points in the article include:
- Decree No. 89/2025/ND-CP expands certification recognition to include China’s CAAC, Russia, Brazil, Canada and the UK, in addition to the US FAA and EU EASA.
- The decision is aimed at easing access to a wider range of aircraft amid global delivery delays and recalls, including issues with Pratt & Whitney engines that grounded 33 planes in 2024.
- Vietjet is planning to operate Chinese Comac ARJ21 aircraft for new routes to Con Dao, and is in talks on broader cooperation including aircraft maintenance facilities.
- Vietnam Airlines is exploring Brazilian-made Embraer jets to modernise its regional fleet as part of a broader post-COVID restructuring.
- The total number of operational aircraft in Vietnam fell to 249 by end-2024, down 12 from the previous year, worsening capacity constraints.