This article is based on an official press release from Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company and supplementary industry research.

Vietjet Secures 22 New Aircraft in Historic Year-End Fleet Expansion

Vietjet has officially launched the most significant fleet expansion in its operating history, receiving a total of 22 new Commercial-Aircraft during the 2025 year-end festive season. According to the airline’s latest announcement, this strategic influx of capacity is designed to meet surging travel demand for Christmas and the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, while simultaneously supporting a broader international network growth strategy.

The delivery of these aircraft comes at a critical time for the global aviation industry, which continues to grapple with severe supply chain disruptions and delivery delays from major Manufacturers. By securing 22 aircraft in a condensed timeframe, Vietjet aims to bolster its operational resilience and capture market share during the peak holiday travel window.

Breakdown of the Fleet Expansion

The 22-aircraft addition comprises a mix of direct manufacturer deliveries and strategic wet leases, diversified across Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC models. This diversification allows the airline to serve high-density trunk routes, international connections, and niche island destinations effectively.

Airbus A321neo ACF: The Core Growth

A significant portion of the expansion involves seven new Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft. These units are intended to serve as the backbone of Vietjet’s Vietnam-based operations. On December 4, 2025, the Airlines welcomed the latest of these jets, registered as VN-A580, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

According to Vietjet, the A321neo ACF configuration offers up to 240 seats and provides substantial environmental benefits, including at least 16% fuel savings, up to 75% noise reduction, and 50% fewer emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Boeing 737-8 (MAX) for Vietjet Thailand

In a major milestone for its subsidiary operations, Vietjet has integrated nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the Vietjet Thailand fleet. The first of these, registered HS-VZA, arrived in Bangkok on November 23, 2025. This delivery marks the commencement of Vietjet’s historic order for 200 Boeing aircraft.

These aircraft are initially slated for the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route, with plans to expand into international service connecting Bangkok to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, later in December 2025.

Strategic Wet Leases and Niche Operations

To address immediate peak season capacity needs, the airline has also secured four wet-leased aircraft, likely Airbus A320s based on historical partnership patterns with providers such as Freebird Airlines. These “wet leases” include aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allowing for immediate deployment.

Additionally, industry reports indicate the inclusion of two COMAC C909 (formerly ARJ21) aircraft, wet-leased from Chengdu Airlines. These specialized regional jets are deployed specifically for routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, an island destination with runway limitations that restrict larger jet operations.

Operational Strategy and Market Impact

Vietjet’s ability to secure such a large volume of aircraft amidst a global shortage is a focal point of their current operational narrative. The airline emphasizes that this move is not merely about holiday capacity but about long-term positioning in the Asian market.

“In a global context of aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains… Vietjet’s ability to receive 22 modern aircraft in less than one month strongly affirms its reputation, strong financial capacity, and standing in the international market.”

, Vietjet Press Statement, December 5, 2025

AirPro News Analysis

From our perspective at AirPro News, this expansion highlights a divergence between Vietjet and many of its regional competitors who are currently scaling back due to engine recalls and delivery delays. By leveraging a mixed fleet strategy, utilizing both Airbus and Boeing, alongside wet leases, Vietjet is effectively hedging against single-source supply chain risks.

Financially, the market appears to be responding positively to this aggressive growth. Market data indicates that Vietjet Aviation JSC (VJC) stock is trading strongly, hovering around 207,500 VND as of early December 2025. With reported revenues of approximately $2 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024, the carrier has the capital required to sustain these leases and acquisitions. The move to secure capacity now positions them to maximize yields during the Tet 2026 period, where demand typically outstrips supply.

Route Expansion and Holiday Readiness

The new fleet will immediately support the airline’s Lunar New Year schedule. Vietjet has opened sales for approximately 2.5 million tickets for the Tet 2026 travel period (January–February). The additional capacity will allow for increased frequencies on key domestic trunk routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.

Internationally, the expansion supports new routes targeting North Asia and Oceania. Beyond the new Bangkok–Cam Ranh service, the airline is progressing with plans for routes to Japan, South Korea, and a long-haul connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland, New Zealand, utilizing its wide-body A330 fleet.

Sources

• Vietjet Air Official Press Release

International travelers flying out of Thailand’s major hubs will soon face significantly higher costs. According to reporting by the Bangkok Post, Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to increase the Passenger Service Charge (PSC), commonly known as the airport tax, by 53% for international departures. The new rate is expected to take effect in early 2026.

The increase will raise the fee from its current level of 730 Baht to 1,120 Baht (approximately $33 USD). This adjustment applies specifically to the six major international airports managed by AoT, including the country’s primary gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). While the hike is substantial for international travelers, fees for domestic flights at these same hubs will remain unchanged at 130 Baht.

Breakdown of the New Fees

The Bangkok Post reports that the new pricing structure is designed to bolster revenue for infrastructure projects without relying on state budgets. The increase of 390 Baht represents a sharp rise in the cost of exiting the country via its busiest terminals.

Affected Airports

Based on the details provided in the report, the 1,120 Baht rate will apply to international departures from the following six AoT-operated airports:

• Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
• Don Mueang (DMK)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Chiang Mai (CNX)
• Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai (CEI)
• Hat Yai (HDY)

It is important to distinguish this major hike from a separate, smaller adjustment occurring at regional airports. According to market research data, airports operated by the Department of Airports (DOA), such as Krabi and Surat Thani, are seeing a minor increase from 400 Baht to 425 Baht. However, the headline-grabbing 53% jump is exclusive to the major AoT hubs.

Timeline for Implementation

While initial headlines suggested the change could happen “early next year,” the regulatory timeline points toward the first quarter of 2026. As noted in industry analysis, a four-month notice period is typically required following ministerial approval. Consequently, travelers booking flights for late 2025 may avoid the fee, but those traveling from April 2026 onward will likely see the charge reflected in their ticket prices.

Rationale: Funding the South Terminal

The primary driver behind this aggressive pricing strategy is the need for capital to fund massive expansion projects. AoT has stated that the additional revenue, projected to be around 10 billion Baht annually, will be directed toward the construction of the new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Additionally, the funds are earmarked for upgrading safety systems and modernizing passenger facilities, such as automated check-in kiosks. By increasing the PSC, AoT aims to maintain financial independence, self-financing these upgrades rather than drawing from government coffers.

“AoT aims to self-finance these investments rather than relying on government budgets.”

, Summary of AoT strategy via Industry Research

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Market Reaction and Regional Context

The announcement has triggered mixed reactions across the aviation and financial sectors. Investors have responded positively to the news; AoT’s share price reportedly surged 11% following the announcement, as analysts view the fee hike as a reliable mechanism to offset costs associated with recent duty-free concession adjustments.

However, the tourism and airline sectors have expressed caution. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has previously warned that increasing aviation fees can dampen demand, particularly among price-sensitive travelers. This concern is amplified by the potential reintroduction of a 300 Baht “tourism tax,” which, if combined with the new airport tax, could add roughly $42 USD in government fees to a standard round-trip ticket.

AirPro News Analysis: Regional Price Competitiveness

At AirPro News, we analyzed how this new rate positions Thailand against its regional competitors. With a new rate of 1,120 Baht (approx. $33), Thailand is moving from a mid-tier price point to one of the more expensive hubs in Southeast Asia.

Based on current 2025/2026 estimates, the new Thai rate compares as follows:

• Singapore (Changi): ~1,650 THB (Thailand remains cheaper)
• Hong Kong: ~900 THB (Thailand becomes ~24% more expensive)
• Vietnam (Hanoi/HCMC): ~860 THB (Thailand becomes ~30% more expensive)
• Malaysia (KLIA1): ~560 THB (Thailand becomes ~100% more expensive)

While Thailand remains more affordable than premium hubs like Singapore Changi, it risks losing its competitive edge against lower-cost neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia. For budget travelers, a $33 exit tax, embedded invisibly in the ticket price, may not be immediately obvious, but it contributes to the overall perception of rising travel costs in the Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay this fee at the airport counter?
No. The Passenger Service Charge (PSC) is almost always included in the price of your airline ticket. You will see the total fare increase, but you will not typically need to pay cash at the airport.

Does this affect domestic flights?
No. The tax for domestic flights at AoT airports remains at 130 Baht.

When does the new rate start?
The new rate of 1,120 Baht is expected to take effect in early 2026, likely within the first quarter, following the mandatory notice period.

Sources

• Bangkok Post

GSP Unveils $97 Million Parking and Rental Car Facility to Support Record Growth

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has officially opened its new Parking Garage C and Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC), a major infrastructure milestone designed to accommodate surging passenger traffic in the Upstate region. According to an official announcement from the airport, the facility opened to the public on December 2, 2025, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The $97 million project represents a significant investment in the airport’s operational capacity. Located adjacent to the terminal building and connected via a covered walkway, the new structure adds 1,500 parking spaces to the airport’s inventory. The facility is designed to streamline the travel experience by centralizing rental car operations and expanding public parking options as passenger numbers exceed 3 million annually.

Enhancing Infrastructure and Efficiency

The new facility is a dual-purpose structure that addresses two critical needs: public parking availability and rental car logistics. The garage is split evenly, designating 750 spaces for public parking and 750 spaces for “ready-return” rental cars. This consolidation moves rental car pickup, drop-off, and transaction counters into a single location directly next to the terminal, eliminating the need for remote shuttles for most operations.

According to project details released by GSP, the facility includes a Customer Service Building (CSB) featuring a modern transaction lobby. Additionally, a “Quick Turn-Around” (QTA) area has been integrated to support rental car companies with on-site fueling, car washes, and light maintenance bays. This infrastructure is intended to speed up vehicle turnaround times, ensuring inventory is available for arriving passengers.

Dave Edwards, President and CEO of GSP, emphasized the necessity of the project in light of recent traffic records:

“With more than three million passengers traveling through GSP over the past year, this facility will help us better serve our customers and prepare for continued growth in 2026. Opening Garage C allows us to provide an unprecedented level of service while providing the convenience, efficiency, and amenities our community expects.”

Smart Technology and Design

The project, designed by Greenville-based architecture firm LS3P and managed by Brasfield & Gorrie, incorporates technology aimed at reducing friction for travelers. The garage features “Park Assist” technology, a guidance system that uses visual indicators to help drivers locate open spots quickly. This system is expected to reduce the time drivers spend circling for parking, thereby lowering vehicle emissions.

Aesthetically, the garage was designed to complement the existing “campus feel” of the main terminal, utilizing similar glass, steel, and stone materials. Ben Barfield, Vice President and Division Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie, noted the complexity of constructing the facility while maintaining airport operations:

“Delivering this facility safely and efficiently while the airport remained fully operational was a true team effort… We are proud to have worked alongside GSP and our project partners to deliver a facility that enhances the traveler experience.”

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of the CONRAC facility at GSP reflects a broader trend among mid-sized North American airports. By consolidating rental car operations into a dedicated structure adjacent to the terminal, airports can significantly reduce curb congestion. Removing rental car shuttle buses from the main roadway loops improves traffic flow for private pickups and ride-share services, a critical operational improvement as GSP prepares for future expansions, including a potential Concourse B expansion projected for the late 2020s.

Economic Impact and Future Plans

This infrastructure upgrade is a cornerstone of GSP’s broader Capital Improvement Program. The airport serves as a major economic engine for the region, with a recent study citing approximately $4 billion in annual economic output and support for nearly 20,000 jobs. The opening of Garage C is described by airport officials as an “enabling project,” freeing up space and infrastructure capacity required for future terminal and roadway improvements.

Sources

• GSP Airport Official Release