Several air routes fully occupied despite new jet leases

In the last four weeks VietJet has leased six aircraft for the seven-day Tet holiday which begins next Thursday, increasing its number of flights by 750, or 154,800 seats.

Vietnam Airlines has wet eased (leasing aircraft and crew) four narrow-body Airbus A320 jets for around a month to increase its number of flights by 1,000 during the holiday season.

Bamboo Airways earlier last month also wet leased two A320 jets.

But by the end of last week, some air routes recorded occupancy of around 100% from Feb. 6-8, when people often travel to their hometowns to unite with their family.

The fully occupied routes are between Hanoi and the northern province of Dien Bien, and between Ho Chi Minh City and Buon Ma Thuot, Hue and Quy Nhon in the central region.

After the holiday, flights from Buon Ma Thuot and Quy Nhon were also fully occupied on Feb. 12 and 13.

Some routes to and from HCMC to Thanh Hoa and Hai Phong record occupancy of 90%.

On the main route connecting HCMC with Hanoi, occupancy is around 82%, thanks to the large number of flights.

Ticket price ranges around VND3.2-3.4 million ($131-139) per one-way trip.

Since the end of last year Bamboo Airways has reduced its number of jets by 20 and Pacific Airlines also scaled down its fleet.

Vietnam Airlines had to shut down some A321 NEO jets for an engine inspection after receiving a global emergency warning from manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.