Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet Air is set to lease up to ten Chinese-made C909 aircraft, a move seen as part of its broader strategy to expand its international network and challenge established global aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing.
The deal was announced following a signing event in Beijing during the recent visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to China. The agreement was facilitated by SPDB Financial Leasing, a subsidiary of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, which will finance the aircraft through operating leases. The Chinese aircraft manufacturer, Comac, aims to increase its footprint outside China with this development.
Strategic Regional Cooperation
This agreement underscores growing aviation cooperation between China and Vietnam. A joint statement from both countries declared support for further collaboration in civil aviation and welcomed Vietnamese airlines to operate Chinese commercial aircraft. The signing took place in the presence of Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phan Van Giang, emphasizing the political and economic significance of the deal.
Comac, aspiring to rival Airbus and Boeing globally, views this expansion as a sign of its increasing competitiveness in overseas markets. Industry analysts note that the agreement highlights an effort to diversify aircraft sourcing and foster regional integration in civil aviation.
