The carrier took delivery of the aircraft, an Airbus A321 with the registration number VN-A129, on Saturday afternoon at Noi Bai International Airport. It plans to buy two more Airbus A320 aircraft next month.
The newly acquired A321 received its airworthiness certificate on July 10, 2015, and was previously operated by U.S.-based Spirit Airlines.
Vietravel Airlines’ first plane arrived around six months after a group of businesses associated with T&T Group became Vietravel Airlines’ strategic shareholders.
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The first plane owned by Vietravel Airlines at the celebration event at Noi Bai International Airport on the afternoon of June 28, 2025. Photo courtesy of Vietravel Airlines |
Ho Minh Tan, deputy director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said the move reflects the conglomerate’s commitment to supporting the carrier’s growth.
With the new addition, Vietravel Airlines will have greater control over its operations, which have recently faced difficulties after its fleet was reduced to just one other aircraft.
The airline said it plans to operate more flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with domestic destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon, and other locations outside the country.
Do Vinh Quang, chairman of Vietravel Airlines and Hien’s youngest son, said the newly added plane was not only an important step toward realizing the airline’s aim of building a modern fleet, but also a statement of its financial strength and capability.
The firm is negotiating with major aircraft manufacturers and international airlines to establish comprehensive strategic partnerships in the aviation sector.
Vietravel Airlines was established in 2020 with a capital of VND700 billion (US$26.8 million) and flew for the first time in January 2021, making it the country’s sixth carrier and the third privately owned one.
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Businessman Do Quang Hien (in front) and Vietravel Airlines chairman Do Vinh Quang (right behind Hien) on board the newly acquired A321 plane. Photo courtesy of Vietravel Airlines |
At its recent annual general meeting, shareholders approved a plan to increase its charter capital to VND2.6 trillion in the first half of 2026, with support from SHB Bank.
The capital boost is expected to help expand the airline’s fleet and operations, improve finances and ensure liquidity.
Vietravel Airlines said it plans to effectively leverage resources from T&T Group and another major shareholder, Vietravel Corporation, in the coming years.
It seeks to expand into the air cargo sector and is working with T&T Group to develop auxiliary services such as ground handling, warehousing, cargo loading, technical services, and aviation industry support.
The carrier aims to build a comprehensive aviation ecosystem comprising transportation, tourism, and digital experiences, and seeks to become one of the region’s leading airlines by 2035.
