The VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company (VietJet Air) will open a series of new flights departing from Cat Bi International Airport in northern Hai Phong city, VietJet Chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha revealed in a meeting with city leaders on April 21.

Accordingly, flights from Hai Phong to Da Nang, Nha Trang and Da Lat will be launched alongside four others to China.

Ha said the low-cost airline currently has a fleet of 22 aircraft which will be expanded to 30 by the end of 2015. The firm has gained a local market share of 38 percent and its number of passengers rose by 15-20 percent annually.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Duong Anh Dien highlighted the progress of the Cat Bi International Airport expansion project, saying that the airport will have a completely new look once it is inaugurated by the end of this year.

The expansion will increase the airport capacity to 4 million passengers per year and 1,000 passengers at peak hours, he added.

The Chairman also suggested VietJet Air open new international flights connecting Hai Phong and the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong, as the city wishes to welcome more foreign visitors, particularly from these countries who have been major investors in the city.

Cat Bi International Airport plays an important role in the socio-economic development strategy of Hai Phong city and the region.-VNA