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Vietnamese Regulator Proposes Approving Certifications for Chinese COMAC Aircraft

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The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed recognizing Chinese aircraft design certifications as equivalent to U.S. standards, according to documents obtained by Reuters. This change would facilitate the entry of aircraft manufactured by the Chinese state-owned company COMAC, which has been intensifying its efforts to expand into the Vietnamese market.

COMAC and Its Strategy to Enter Vietnam

The aircraft manufacturer has held meetings with Vietnamese leaders and has presented attractive offers to the country’s low-cost airlines. This move is part of its global strategy to attract buyers and consolidate its presence in the international market.

However, current regulations in Vietnam pose a hurdle for the operation of aircraft that do not hold certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

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Regulatory Changes and Implementation Date

To address this issue, the CAAV has proposed a regulatory change that would allow the import of aircraft certified in China. This adjustment could take effect on April 30, although it requires approval from senior Vietnamese government officials.

This change aims to diversify the options for the country’s airlines, which currently rely heavily on Boeing and Airbus manufacturers.

VietJet and the Incorporation of the COMAC C909

In January, it was reported that VietJet, Vietnam’s leading private airline, was considering leasing two regional COMAC C909 aircraft for domestic routes. However, the arrival of these aircraft, initially scheduled for mid-January, has been delayed due to a lack of regulatory approval.

Despite this, two units of the C909, previously operated by Chengdu Airlines, have been part of VietJet’s fleet since late January. These aircraft bear the logos of the Vietnamese airline and the number 75, in reference to the 75 years of relations between Vietnam and China. One of these aircraft conducted a demonstration flight in Vietnam on January 23, with stops in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Con Dao before returning to Chengdu.

Commercial Relations and Political Balances

Vietnam maintains deep economic ties with China, including cooperation in sectors such as defense and transportation infrastructure. However, it also has strong commercial links with the United States, a key market for its exports.

In an effort to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S. and avoid potential tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, the Vietnamese government has emphasized its purchases of U.S. aircraft. VietJet has orders for 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, while Vietnam Airlines signed a preliminary agreement to acquire 50 units in 2023, during a visit by then-President Joe Biden to Hanoi.

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