By AeroMorning – 20 October 2025

Vietnam’s low-cost carrier VietJet has terminated operations of its two COMAC C909 aircraft after a lease period of just six months. The agreement expired on 18 October, marking a significant setback for China’s commercial aviation ambitions. 

Launched in April this year, shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hanoi, the wet-lease from China’s Chengdu Airlines was seen as more than just a commercial deal — it had strong diplomatic overtones aimed at strengthening Sino-Vietnamese ties. 

Despite reportedly smooth operations, VietJet chose not to extend the lease and reaffirmed its preference for expanding its fleet with Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Key factors cited include high costs associated with foreign crew, limited maintenance and support infrastructure, and regulatory complexity for Chinese-certified aircraft in overseas markets. 

For COMAC, this development is symbolic — the C909 (alongside its bigger sibling the C919) has been pitched as a challenger to the dominant Western manufactures. However, the VietJet exit highlights the significant barriers the Chinese manufacturer faces in scaling beyond domestic markets: missing global certification, weak maintenance networks abroad, and cost/distribution disadvantages. 

In short, the short-lived lease deal demonstrates how technical viability alone doesn’t guarantee commercial success in aviation. Ultimately, fleet strategy, support ecosystems, and regulatory approval remain as critical as aircraft performance.