Fluctuations in the aircraft fleet of Vietnamese airlines

Turbulent Aircraft Fleet

In September 2023, Pratt&Whitney’s engine manufacturer announced the recall of the PW1100 engines (which is estimated to affect about 600-700 PW1100 engines in operation worldwide) for extensive inspection and repair to correct manufacturing defects.

In Vietnam, these engines are used on some A321NEO aircraft operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. The engine recall will cause the affected aircraft to cease operations in 2024 and 2025 (the grounding will begin in January 2024).

In addition, Bamboo Airways will stop operating its Embraer E190 fleet (3 aircraft) and suspend the routes using these aircraft (Hanoi-Hue/Dong Hoi/Con Dao and Ho Chi Minh City-Dong Hoi/Con Dao) for restructuring, cost-cutting, improved business productivity, stable operations, balanced finances, and future growth. The Hanoi-Con Dao direct route will be suspended from April 1, 2024.

The above reasons will directly impact the transport capacity, fleet size, and supply capacity on domestic and international routes in 2024 and 2025.

To address these challenges, the Civil Aviation Authority is reviewing related plans, policies, and implementing adaptive measures to adapt to the current situation.

The Authority has also requested Vietnamese airlines to proactively plan operations and have backup plans to supplement the shortage of aircraft caused by grounding (aircraft acquisition plans, wet lease aircraft during peak periods such as Tet holidays and summer peak season, optimal calculation of engine operation deadlines, etc.).

During the Tet holidays, Vietnamese airlines added 15 leased aircraft with flight crews, including 4 aircraft with leases until May 2024, to meet passenger demand and ensure supply on domestic routes during the Tet holidays and summer peak season.

Search for Suitable Aircraft for the Hanoi – Con Dao Direct Route

Furthermore, due to the infrastructure limitations of Con Dao Airport, it can currently only handle smaller aircraft such as ATR72, Embraer E190, and equivalent models. Therefore, the Civil Aviation Authority has directed airlines to review plans and study the additional supply capacity on routes to and from Con Dao, as well as suitable aircraft types for both general routes to and from Con Dao and specifically the Hanoi – Con Dao direct route.

On February 29, a charter flight operated by a commercial ARJ21-700 aircraft carried 60 passengers and landed at Con Dao Airport on the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao.

This is the first time that Con Dao Airport has served this type of aircraft. Therefore, the airport has worked closely with the airline’s representative to calculate suitable aircraft payloads and coordinated closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to obtain operating permits. The flight was conducted to showcase the new aircraft model by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

The ARJ21-700 is a twin-engine turbofan aircraft with a maximum capacity of 90 seats, with 5 seats per row. It is equipped with two CF34-10A engines mounted on the tail. It is known that a Vietnamese airline is considering the possibility of leasing or purchasing ARJ21-700 aircraft for flights to Con Dao.

Airline Announces Daily List of Flight Schedule Changes

During this period of aircraft fleet instability, the Civil Aviation Authority requires airlines to daily publish on their websites or other media platforms the list of flight schedule changes. This information will help passengers make appropriate travel arrangements and ensure that airlines fulfill their obligations to passengers in accordance with regulations and disclose pricing information publicly and transparently without unauthorized price increases.