A new report from aircraft manufacturer ATR has identified significant untapped potential for regional aviation growth in Vietnam.
ATR’s findings, presented at the ‘Unlocking Vietnam’s Regional Aviation’ workshop in Hanoi, held in collaboration with Business France and Vietnamese transport consultancy TEDI, revealed that 87 out of 149 domestic routes under 300 nautical miles (555km) remained unserved, despite showing traffic potential.
The report, ‘Propelling Vietnam’s Regional Aviation’, suggested that regional aviation can significantly improve connectivity while complementing existing transport infrastructure.
ATR emphasised the fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact of its turboprop aircraft, saying they consume 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 compared to similar-sized regional jets.
The company estimates that 25 of its 72-600 turboprops are required to tackle Vietnam’s unmet regional aviation needs.
Other key findings:
- 90% of Vietnam’s domestic air traffic is concentrated at just 10 of its 22 airports.
- 25% of domestic flights are operated by larger aircraft over shorter distances, reducing cost and frequency efficiency.
- Vietnam’s domestic air travel is projected to grow by over 20% between 2023 and 2027.
- The Vietnamese government plans to increase the number of commercial airports from 22 to 30 by 2030.
- A 10% increase in regional flights could lead to a 5% rise in local tourism and a 6% boost in regional GDP.
ATR estimates a fleet of 25 72-600 aircraft are required in Vietnam.
