Vietnam Considers Allowing COMAC Aircraft Operations

The Vietnamese government is considering lifting regulatory barriers to allow aircraft manufactured by China's state-owned COMAC to operate in the country, as announced after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and COMAC officials. COMAC aims to position itself as a competitor to Airbus and Boeing, but its aircraft currently operate mainly within China and lack necessary certifications from the EU and the US, complicating international sales. The transport ministry has been tasked with reviewing regulations to facilitate COMAC's entry into the Vietnamese market. VietJet, Vietnam's leading budget airline, may initiate collaboration with a Chinese airline operating COMAC aircraft to test their viability on specific routes. This decision aligns with COMAC's ongoing efforts to tap into Southeast Asia's growing aviation market, which they have targeted for some time. VietJet has not confirmed any plans regarding cooperation with COMAC at this stage.