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Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company, commonly known as VietJet Air, is a prominent Vietnamese low-cost airline based in Hanoi. It holds the distinction of being the first privately owned airline established in Vietnam, having received its initial operating approval from the Vietnamese Minister of Finance in November 2007. Despite facing long delays in its launch due to various factors, including the Great Recession and regulatory challenges, VietJet Air successfully commenced operations on December 25, 2011, with its inaugural flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

Since its launch, VietJet Air has experienced remarkable growth, quickly becoming the second private airline to offer domestic services in Vietnam and the fifth overall to provide civil domestic flights. The airline is owned by Sovico Holdings, HDBank, and other organizational investors, as well as individual stakeholders. In a relatively short span, VietJet Air achieved significant milestones, including carrying its 10 millionth passenger by December 2014 and reaching 25 million passengers just a year later in December 2015.

As of 2023, VietJet continues to expand its operations, offering a diverse range of domestic and international routes. The airline operates a modern fleet primarily composed of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, renowned for their efficiency and passenger comfort. VietJet Air has also focused on enhancing customer experience by introducing various services, including in-flight meals and entertainment, as well as affordable ticket options, making air travel accessible to a wider audience.

In addition to its commitment to affordability, VietJet has garnered attention for its creative marketing strategies, such as themed flights and promotional campaigns that resonate with younger travelers. The airline remains dedicated to ensuring safety and quality service, even as it navigates the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With plans for further fleet expansion and new route introductions, VietJet Air aims to solidify its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the Southeast Asian aviation market, continuously striving to meet the evolving needs of its passengers.

Founded in 2007, VietJet Air emerged as a pioneering force in Vietnam's aviation sector, thanks in part to the leadership of its founding team, which included American Robert Hughes. The airline's head office is located in the Vạn Phúc Diplomatic Corps area of the Ba Đình district in Hanoi. VietJet made history as the first privately owned airline established in Vietnam and, upon its launch in December 2011, became the second private airline to provide domestic service, following Air Mekong. It also marked its position as the fifth airline overall to offer civil domestic flights, joining the ranks of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Air Mekong, and the Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO). Under the stewardship of President and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao since December 2011, VietJet set ambitious plans to connect major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang while gradually expanding its network to include international destinations across Asia, including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and cities in southern China. The initial plans for VietJet's launch faced numerous delays, originally expected to start operations in late 2008 or early 2009. As the years progressed, the anticipated launch dates were postponed multiple times, first to late 2009 and then to mid-2010. Airline officials cited various reasons for these setbacks, including rising fuel prices, financial difficulties, and unresolved branding conflicts with the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV). Despite the challenges, VietJet remained determined to establish itself in the competitive aviation market. In early 2011, VietJet was reported to be in the final stages of preparations for its launch, although it faced the looming deadline of its operational license expiring in June of that year. Ultimately, the airline's maiden flight took place on December 25, 2011, successfully flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. This milestone not only marked the beginning of VietJet's operations but also its entry into the aviation industry as a significant player. The airline's operations gained further attention in 2012 when VietJet was fined by the Vietnam aviation authority for organizing a promotional event that featured a Hawaiian-themed dance without proper permission during its inaugural flight celebration to Nha Trang. Despite this incident, VietJet Air swiftly made strides in the international market, launching its first international flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok on February 9, 2013, thereby becoming the first Vietnamese private airline to operate internationally. In terms of fleet expansion, VietJet made significant strides, placing substantial orders with Airbus and Boeing to meet the growing demand for its services. At the 2014 Singapore Airshow, the airline finalized an order for 60 A320 aircraft valued at $6.4 billion, furthering its existing agreement for 92 planes from the A320 family. Subsequent orders included six additional Airbus A321 jets at the 2015 Paris Air Show, and a landmark deal for 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft during a state visit by US President Barack Obama in May 2016. On the financial front, VietJet completed its initial public offering (IPO) on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange on February 28, 2017, raising $167 million and making it one of the largest IPOs in the Vietnamese market to date. With its strategic planning and aggressive expansion, VietJet continues to solidify its position as a leading low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia.