VietJet has signalled plans to establish an Australian domestic operation with the registration of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Australia. The aircraft, registered as VH-T8A, appeared on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) register on Sept. 23.
VietJet Registers First Aircraft in Australia
The aircraft is registered to Melbourne-based Cherrie Aviation, which is listed as the operator. The Australian entity is currently seeking regulatory approval to operate aircraft in Australia. A VietJet spokesperson has told Australian Aviation that the airline has agreed to lease the aircraft to an Australian entity.
According to the Australian government, Australia restricts foreign airlines from operating domestic cabotage services with exceptions to special circumstances. However, the government allows for foreign airlines to establish local Australian companies to operate domestic routes, subject to Australia’s foreign-investment framework. This allows a foreign airline to establish a local Australian operator rather than operating domestic flights directly as a foreign carrier.
The aircraft’s registration provides further indication that VietJet is preparing for a potential Australian domestic operation.
VietJet’s Expansion in Australia
VietJet first entered the Australian market in 2023 with an inaugural flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne on April 8. The airline later launched direct flights to Sydney starting April 12, 2023 and to Brisbane starting June 16, 2023.
In November 2023, VietJet increased its Australia network, connecting Vietnam with Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide with the services scheduled to begin in December. Earlier this year, VietJet announced a new route from Ho Chi Minh City to Western Sydney, further expanding its Australian network.
What do you think VietJet’s potential entry into Australia’s domestic market could mean for Australian travellers? Let us know in the comments!
