Vietjet 'exports' low-cost flight model: From Thai Vietjet to transcontinental dream

Vietjet expands flight space

In late May and early June 2025, Vietjet made a remarkable "boost" in the aviation industry. The airline unexpectedly announced the appointment of Mr. Philipp Rösler, former German Vice Chancellor, to its board of directors. As a Vietnamese-American who has run the government, ventured into the venture capital world, and has extensive experience in international connections, Mr. Rösler is expected to be a "strategic bridge" to help Vietjet penetrate the European market in a systematic and effective manner.

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao - Chairwoman of Vietjet Board of Directors - continued to reinforce the message of globalization. She shared that Vietjet is now not only a pioneer airline but has become a modern, flexible, and ready-to-integrate multinational airline brand.

With a continuously expanding flight network, Vietjet not only aims to transport passengers but also opens up trade, tourism and investment opportunities between Vietnam and the world .

"We are committed to continuing to act as a bridge for growth between economies, communities and cultures. Above all, Vietjet upholds its noble mission of bringing the dream of flying closer to everyone, with safe, friendly, world-class services and a spirit of constant innovation," said Ms. Thao.

The message of Vietjet's chairman is not limited to the domestic market, proactively stepping out into the world with a long-term, methodical and professional strategy.

In fact, Vietjet's journey abroad did not start this year. Nearly a decade ago, the airline quietly tested the "airline export" model with the establishment of Thai Vietjet, a joint venture in Thailand.

Vietjet continuously orders aircraft - Photo: VJ

And that is not an easy problem because Thailand is considered the most competitive market in Southeast Asia. After nearly 10 years, Thai Vietjet has now become the airline with the third largest domestic market share in Thailand, surpassing long-standing local competitors such as Bangkok Airways or Thai Lion Air. It is worth mentioning that Thai Vietjet is not simply a foreign branch but a "localized" version of the Vietjet model from the way it is exploited and operated...

As of May 2025, Thai Vietjet is operating a fleet of 18 Airbus A320s and A321s and is about to receive 50 more Boeing 737 MAXs under a contract signed with Boeing Group.

Not stopping in Southeast Asia, in early May 2025, Vietjet announced the establishment of a new joint venture in Kazakhstan called Vietjet Qazaqstan through the takeover of the operations of domestic airline Qazaq Air.

According to the plan, Vietjet Qazaqstan will operate Boeing 737 aircraft, with an initial fleet of at least 20 aircraft. Not only serving the domestic travel needs of the people of Kazakhstan, the airline also aims to become a bridge between this Central Asian country and Vietnam, Southeast Asia and global aviation centers.

With its geographical location between Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan is emerging as a strategic transit point in the transcontinental supply chain and logistics. Vietjet sees not only the opportunity to transport passengers, but also the potential to exploit the freight transport and logistics market in the near future, an area in which the airline has many expansion plans.

From Thai Vietjet to Vietjet Qazaqstan, from Southeast Asia to Central Asia, Vietjet's steps are showing a new image for a Vietnamese airline that is no longer confined within its territory, but is ready to "bring Vietnamese nationality" to the world as a global "player".

Pushing to conquer the international sky

In the first quarter of 2025, Vietjet continued to promote its internationalization strategy by opening 18 new routes, mainly international, bringing the total flight network to 145 routes, including 101 international routes. Earlier this year, the airline launched routes connecting Vietnam to China and India and is preparing to open 3 new routes to Russia in June 2025.

Vietjet also marked a milestone by launching its first flight to the United States and announcing plans to purchase 20 more A330neo wide-body aircraft, bringing its total A330 order book to 40, out of a portfolio of more than 338 aircraft. The airline’s current fleet of 96 aircraft is expected to increase to 101 this year.

Besides passenger transport, Vietjet is increasing revenue from ancillary services such as baggage, meals, in-flight entertainment... This is a segment that brought in more than 6,200 billion VND in the first quarter, accounting for 36% of total revenue.

According to airlines, developing an international flight network often brings higher revenue efficiency, especially from ancillary revenues such as baggage, meals, seat selection... This is a strength that low-cost airlines like Vietjet can exploit effectively.

However, opening international routes also comes with many challenges, from finding flight slots, building a local agency system, implementing local media, to complying with legal regulations and operating human resources according to local laws.

Each international destination is a completely new problem that needs to be solved properly.

An aviation expert said that simply buying planes and getting routes is not enough. Without careful preparation, many airlines will burn money to reserve seats without knowing when they will recover their investment.

According to him, it is necessary to see the expansion of Vietnamese airlines to the world not simply as a strategy to expand market share but also as a reflection of the new spirit of Vietnamese enterprises that dare to go far, dare to do differently, and dare to compete fairly with global "giants".

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vietjet-xuat-khau-mo-hinh-bay-gia-re-tu-thai-vietjet-den-giac-mo-xuyen-luc-dia-20250607093144927.htm