Vietnam Airlines Mulls Acquiring Chinese C919 Jets Amid Aircraft Scarcity

Vietnam Airlines is contemplating the purchase of Chinese C919 passenger jets to address its aircraft shortage. The airline is in the planning phase, as reported by CafeF. This comes after a statement from Vietnam Airlines acknowledging the impact of engine recalls by Pratt & Whitney. The C919 jet, developed by COMAC, was introduced in Vietnam in February following its international debut at the Singapore Airshow.

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier of Vietnam, is grappling with an aircraft shortage that is expected to persist until the end of 2025 [1]. This shortage, primarily caused by engine recalls from Pratt & Whitney, has compelled the airline to consider purchasing Chinese C919 passenger jets [2].

The C919 jet, developed by the China National Aero-Technology Corporation (COMAC), was showcased in Vietnam in February 2023, following its international debut at the Singapore Airshow [2]. Vietnam Airlines, recognizing the potential benefits of this aircraft, has set up a working project team and is closely following the process of applying for licenses on the standards of this aircraft line to meet international safety requirements [2].

This interest in the C919 jet comes at a time when Vietnam Airlines is facing a significant aircraft shortage. Due to engine failures on Airbus aircraft, the airline has been forced to ground 17 planes, with six more expected to be grounded by the end of the year [1]. The global repair and maintenance period for these aircraft is approximately 250-300 days, leading to a projected decrease in the aircraft shortage by mid-2025 [1].

To mitigate the impact of the aircraft shortage, Vietnam Airlines has proposed several solutions. These include suspending or reducing the frequency of some flights during low-peak and inefficient periods, increasing flight hours, and wet-leasing additional aircraft [1]. The airline has also been opening new routes to expand its network and offset the shortage [1].

However, the recovery of some major routes, particularly to China, has been slower than anticipated [1]. In the first five months of the year, the Chinese market accounted for only about 6% of Vietnam Airlines' total revenue [1]. This slower-than-expected recovery could necessitate the need for additional aircraft, making the consideration of the C919 jet even more pertinent.

The C919 jet, which rivals European aircraft manufacturers in terms of quality and performance, could provide Vietnam Airlines with a much-needed solution to its aircraft shortage [2]. The airline's interest in this aircraft line underscores its commitment to maintaining a modern and efficient fleet and its adaptability in the face of industry challenges.

References:
[1] Vietnamnet. (2023, June 21). Vietnam Airlines faces aircraft shortage until 2025. Retrieved from https://vietnamnet.vn/en/vietnam-airlines-faces-aircraft-shortage-until-2025-2294046.html
[2] Nguyen, H. (2023, February 15). Vietnam Airlines eyes Chinese C919 jets to mitigate aircraft shortage. Retrieved from https://cafe.com/news/economy/vietnam-airlines-chinese-c919-jets-aircraft-shortage-1701279308.html

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