VietJet Air-boss: «Europe is my ultimate focus for 2025»

VietJet Air, Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, is preparing for a significant global expansion with plans to enter the European and U.S. markets in the coming years.

VietJet Air: A rising force in Asia’s low-cost market – VietJet Air is one of the largest low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Southeast Asia, competing with major regional players such as AirAsia, Lion Air, and IndiGo. VietJet operates over 400 daily flights and serves more than 120 destinations across Asia-Pacific, with a growing presence in Australia and plans to expand into Europe and the U.S. The airline’s rapid growth, fleet expansion, and focus on affordable international travel position it as a significant competitor in the Asian LCC market. Photo: Anna Zvereva, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Building on its success in the Asia-Pacific region, the airline aims to connect Vietnam with major long-haul destinations, further boosting its international presence.

Europe and U.S. identified as priority markets

VietJet has set its sights on Europe as a key growth target for 2025, with plans to introduce new routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major European hubs such as Paris, Frankfurt, and London. The airline is also exploring options to operate direct flights to the United States, aiming to capitalize on increasing demand for air travel between Vietnam and North America.

Initial long-haul operations using Airbus A330s

To facilitate its expansion into Europe and the U.S., VietJet Air plans to initially operate these long-haul routes using its fleet of seven Airbus A330-300 aircraft. These wide-body jets currently serve major Australian cities and key routes to India, but their range and capacity make them well-suited for transcontinental operations.

Jay L. Lingeswara, Vice President for Commercial, reaffirmed this strategy, saying:«We’re looking to add more new destinations from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and Europe is. We also have New Zealand coming up very soon—so they are two very exciting projects.» He says aslo that

«Europe is my ultimate focus for 2025,»

Expansion plans beyond Europe and U.S.

In addition to its European and U.S. ambitions, VietJet is eyeing new markets in New Zealand, with plans to launch services to Auckland via a one-stop route through Australia in 2025. These expansions align with the airline’s long-term vision to strengthen Vietnam’s position as a key aviation hub in the region.

Strategic outlook and fleet expansion

VietJet Air’s growth strategy is supported by ongoing fleet expansion efforts. The airline has firm orders for 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 186 Airbus A320/321 models, with 14 Boeing 737 MAX deliveries expected in 2025. This growing fleet will enable VietJet to meet increasing demand and sustain its global ambitions.

As VietJet prepares for its entry into long-haul markets, its commitment to maintaining low-cost services while delivering reliable and affordable travel options positions the airline to become a competitive force in the international aviation industry.

Key facts about VietJet Air

• Founded: 2007, with its first commercial flight in December 2011.

• Headquarters: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

• Fleet Size: Approximately 100 aircraft, including Airbus A320, A321, and A330 models.

• Number of Destinations: Over 120 destinations in Vietnam and internationally, including Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and planned expansions to Europe and the U.S.

• Financial Performance (2024):

  Revenue: $2.55 billion (+62% from the previous year).

  Passenger Traffic: 25.3 million passengers carried in 2024.

• Future Aircraft Orders:

  Boeing 737 MAX: 200 aircraft on order, with 14 expected to be delivered in 2025.

  Airbus A320/321: 186 aircraft on firm order for future deliveries.

• Daily Operations: Around 400 flights daily, serving millions of passengers annually.

• International Expansion Goals: Evaluating long-haul routes to Paris, Frankfurt, London, and major U.S. cities to establish Vietnam as a key connecting hub.