VietJet Air Concludes COMAC C909 Lease After Six-Month Trial
VietJet Air, a leading Vietnamese low-cost carrier, has announced the termination of its lease agreement with Chengdu Airlines for two COMAC C909 aircraft. The termination, effective from October 18, 2025, marks the end of a six-month trial that commenced in April. The decision was primarily driven by the high operational costs related to foreign crew requirements, maintenance services, and the regulatory constraints imposed by Vietnam’s aviation laws.
The C909 regional jets, previously known as ARJ21-700, were primarily used for domestic routes, connecting Con Dao Island with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Both jets completed their final flights on October 17, flying from Con Dao to Hanoi. It is important to note that the termination was not a result of any technical or operational issues with the Chinese-made aircraft during their service period.
This development is a significant blow to COMAC’s attempts to establish its aircraft in the fiercely competitive Southeast Asian aviation market. The lease was initially seen as a diplomatic gesture following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam earlier this year.
Source: Aerospace Global News