Vietjet vs Nok Air

Overview

Vietjet (Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company, ticker VJC on HOSE) is a Vietnamese low-cost carrier. According to a 2026 industry report, it was founded in 2007, began commercial flights in December 2011 and is led by chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. Its headquarters are in Hanoi. It does not belong to a global alliance.

Network and hubs

The same report puts the network at 254 routes (52 domestic and 202 international), with the busiest gateway at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The group operates in Vietnam, Thailand and, more recently, Kazakhstan. It carried 28.2 million passengers in 2025 on more than 153,000 flights.

Fleet

The report lists a group fleet of 135 aircraft in 2026, of which 101 are in Vietnam. Types include the Airbus A320, A321, A321neo, A321XLR and A330, the Boeing 737-8, and a planned batch of COMAC C909 aircraft. Fleet figures change often and come from a secondary source.

On board

• Eco: lowest fare; seats, meals and checked bags are extra.
• Deluxe: includes a checked bag, free seat selection and a meal.
• SkyBoss: the first three rows of the A321, in a 3-3 layout. Simple Flying found the seat width (18 in) and pitch (29 in) the same as economy, with food, priority services and lounge access added.
• Business: per Happy Fares, relaunched on 1 January 2026 with leather seats in a forward cabin.

No verified information on in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi was found.

Good to know

• Baggage: allowances depend on fare and route. The Thai site FAQ lists 20 kg checked and 7 kg cabin for Deluxe, and 30 kg checked and 10 kg cabin for SkyBoss. Check the booking for your route.
• Changes: Business, SkyBoss and Deluxe changes carry no fee beyond the fare difference. Eco changes incur a fee, per the Vietjet guide.
• Seats: advance seat selection is chargeable on Eco fares, subject to availability (Vietjet).
• Lounges: Vietjet does not sell lounge access separately; it comes with SkyBoss fares.

Global Network and Operations

Nok Air serves a comprehensive domestic network across Thailand, with select international flights to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The airline operates a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737 aircraft, focusing on short to medium-haul routes. Nok Air’s subsidiaries and partnerships include:
• Nok Scoot: A low-cost long-haul carrier operating Boeing 777s for regional international routes.
• Strong presence in secondary airports, enhancing connectivity beyond major hubs.
• Collaboration with Thai Smile and Thai Airways for complementary service offerings.
• While Nok Air is not affiliated with any global airline alliance, it maintains strategic partnerships to boost regional connectivity.

Innovation and Milestones

Nok Air has established itself as a pioneer in Thai low-cost aviation by:
• Launching as Thailand’s first low-cost carrier with a distinctive bright yellow livery and bird-themed branding.
• Introducing mobile app-based ticketing and check-in early among regional competitors.
• Developing Nok Care, an integrated customer service platform to enhance passenger assistance.
• Expanding its fleet with fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Nok Air provides a value-focused travel experience featuring primarily Economy Class service, with a complimentary snack and beverage on board. The airline offers convenient online booking and flexible ticketing options. It has been recognized for:

• Friendly and attentive cabin crew dedicated to passenger comfort.
• Maintaining punctual flight operations on domestic routes.
• Affordable fares appealing to both tourists and local travelers.
• Regular enhancements to customer service technology and responsiveness.

Future Outlook

Nok Air aims to increase its regional footprint by expanding international services within Southeast Asia, modernizing its fleet to include next-generation narrow-body aircraft, and enhancing digital platforms for a seamless passenger journey. Sustainability initiatives and improved ancillary services feature prominently in its growth strategy.