Hanoi (VNA) – Vietravel Airlines on June 24 took delivery of a new Airbus A321 plane, boosting its operational capacity to meet rising travel demand during the 2026 summer peak and amid the continued recovery of the aviation market.
The new aircraft, registered VN-A290 and configured with 230 seats, entered service on the same day. The addition increases the airline’s owned fleet to four aircraft, supporting its strategy to raise fleet ownership and strengthen operational autonomy.
Expanding its owned fleet not only enables Vietravel Airlines to exercise greater control of operations and service quality but also demonstrates its long-term commitment to customers and the market. The move forms part of a broader expansion plan under which the carrier aims to add seven more aircraft during the second half of 2026.
The fleet expansion also marks a concrete step in the airline’s new growth strategy with the support of strategic shareholder T&T Group. By enlarging its fleet and route network, Vietravel Airlines aims to strengthen connectivity with T&T’s developing aviation, logistics and infrastructure ecosystem, creating additional long-term growth opportunities.
To support its expansion, the airline is stepping up recruitment of pilots, cabin crew and operational personnel. Its ninth Golden Lotus Ambassador recruitment programme is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on July 15 and in Ho Chi Minh City on July 22.
Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Vietravel Airlines, said the carrier is accelerating investment in both fleet expansion and human resource development to enhance transport capacity, ensure the highest safety standards and optimise operational efficiency.
Alongside expanding operations, Vietravel Airlines is advancing its digital transformation efforts by introducing a mobile check-in application integrated with biometric authentication, helping passengers reduce airport processing times, particularly during peak travel periods.
The airline currently operates routes linking major economic and tourism hubs across Vietnam while gradually expanding its international footprint. In addition to scheduled services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, it launched charter flights between Hanoi and Lanzhou in China’s Gansu province on June 20.
From August 2026, Vietravel Airlines plans to launch a Ho Chi Minh City – Shenzhen (China) route and later open a Hanoi – Macau (China) service. Earlier, on June 15, the carrier inaugurated the Hanoi – Buon Ma Thuot route and resumed operations on the Hanoi – Cam Ranh route ahead of the summer travel season.
To mark the occasion, Vietravel Airlines rolled out a large-scale promotional campaign across its sales network, including special fares from 8,000 VND during weekday “golden hours” from noon to 2pm, a 15% discount on weekend bookings, and promotional fares from 668,000 VND on the upcoming Ho Chi Minh City – Shenzhen route, along with a 50% discount on baggage fees./.
