On Saturday, two Chinese-made COMAC aircraft, designated as C909, began flying commercial routes in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone for the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The aircraft, leased by Chengdu Airlines of China, are now operating under the Vietnamese budget airline VietJet. This launch represents the first commercial deployment of the COMAC aircraft in Vietnam, expanding the presence of Chinese-made planes in the region.
The newly introduced flights connect the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, with Con Dao Island, a popular tourist destination off the southern coast, as well as linking Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic center, with Con Dao. The introduction of the C909 aircraft into these routes is seen as an important step for COMAC as it looks to expand its global footprint and gain a stronger foothold in the competitive aviation market. The C909 is part of COMAC’s efforts to introduce domestically produced aircraft that can compete with other international manufacturers in the regional and global markets.
VietJet, which operates as a low-cost carrier, has increasingly become a major player in the Southeast Asian aviation market, known for its expansion and fleet modernization. The collaboration with Chengdu Airlines and the introduction of the C909 aircraft aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to diversify its fleet and enhance its competitiveness within the region. For COMAC, this partnership marks a significant achievement in establishing the Chinese-made aircraft as a viable alternative to aircraft from established manufacturers.
The launch of these routes represents a growing trend of Chinese aircraft manufacturers looking to increase their market share globally. The introduction of COMAC aircraft into Vietnam’s aviation industry is expected to bolster the company’s reputation, as it continues to seek opportunities for growth in Southeast Asia and other international markets.
For now, the C909 aircraft are expected to operate successfully on these routes, with plans for potential future expansions as part of COMAC’s long-term vision for global operations. This step is part of a broader effort by China to strengthen its domestic aviation sector and challenge the dominance of Western aircraft manufacturers in the international market.
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