Vietnam's low-cost carrier VietJet has expanded its route network by launching a new route between Hiroshima and Hanoi, enabling passengers to travel directly between the two cities for the first time. The new direct flight was announced during the extended G7 Summit in Hiroshima on May 19, 2023.

Twice-weekly service

The airline plans to operate two weekly flights between Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Hiroshima International Airport (HIJ) on Wednesdays and Sundays. The flight duration for each leg is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, according to the airline.

Departing from Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, flights are scheduled to take off at 02:15 local time, arriving at Hiroshima International Airport by 08:45. The return leg departs from Hiroshima at 09:45 and lands in Hanoi at 12:35 local time.

Vietjet A330-300 2
Photo: Vietjet

The airline has not specified the specific aircraft it plans to deploy on the route. However, considering VietJet's current fleet, it is highly likely that they will utilize their Airbus A321 aircraft. There is also a possibility that they may deploy their Airbus A320s or Airbus A330 widebody aircraft.

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It is worth noting that the airline currently has a total of 98 aircraft in its fleet at an average age of 7.2 years, according to Planespotters.net data. The fleet comprises 63 A321s, 30 A320s, and five A330 jets.

Commenting on the launch of the new route, Mr Masahiko Tanabe, Deputy-Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, said,

"In Hiroshima Prefecture, we are working together with Hiroshima International Airport to expand the aviation network from the airport. I am very pleased to announce the opening of a new route today, the first air service in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions connecting to Vietnam."

Plans for increased capacity

At the opening ceremony for the new route, Dinh Viet Phuong, the Chief Executive of VietJet, announced the airline's plan to offer 1.5 million seats on flights connecting the two countries.

He emphasized VietJet's commitment to establishing more robust connectivity between Japan's tourism and economic centers and tourist destinations in Vietnam and other regional countries, including Australia, India, and Kazakhstan. He added:

"As a proud member of Keidanren, the biggest comprehensive economic federation in Japan, VietJet is firmly committed to continuously expanding its network linking Japan and Vietnam and offering more bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities as well as more convenient flight options for our customers."

VietJet A330
Photo: VietJet

Presently, the low-cost carrier operates a total of seven direct routes linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to major Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. In addition to these routes, the airline also offers charter flights originating from Vietnam to various destinations in Japan, such as Niigata, Shizuoka, Fukushima, and Ehime.

What are your thoughts on this newly introduced route? Are you considering a trip between Japan and Vietnam with VietJet? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Source: Planespotters.net