Vietjet Air has announced its inaugural air service between New Zealand and Vietnam, connecting Auckland with Ho Chi Minh City – both nations’ key economic, tourism, and cultural hubs.
The event, held in Hanoi was attended by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, along with senior officials and business leaders from both nations.
The Auckland-Ho Chi Minh City service is scheduled to commence in September 2025, initially offering four return flights per week, operated by Vietjet’s modern fleet. The route is expected to further boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Strategic Partnership
This new service marks a key milestone in Vietnam-New Zealand bilateral relations as the two nations have officially elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remarked at the event in Hanoi: “I’m very pleased with Vietjet’s announcement that they will develop a new route to New Zealand, strengthening the connectivity and the people-to-people links between our two countries which is a critical enabler of more growth and brings our people closer together. This enables lots of opportunities across the board, not just in tourism but also in trade and also in education.”
With the introduction of this new route, Vietjet brings New Zealand closer to Vietnam than ever before. The service provides a cost-effective flight option to Kiwi travellers, with a variety of seat classes to suit different preferences, including Business, SkyBoss, Deluxe, and Eco. Passengers will also have the chance to enjoy a selection of culinary delights, featuring both Vietnamese and international flavours, all served by Vietjet’s professional and dedicated cabin crew.
Mutual Collaboration
Vietjet’s inaugural route connects Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant commercial hub and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cities. Located in the southern part of the country, HCMC is renowned for its rich history, iconic cultural landmarks, tropical climate, and vibrant nightlife. As a key gateway, Ho Chi Minh City offers New Zealanders easy access to explore the rest of Vietnam – from the renowned Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay to stunning coastal cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites – while also connecting to attractive destinations across Southeast and Northeast Asia.
The Auckland-Ho Chi Minh City route will not only boost investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange but also create new opportunities for collaboration between New Zealand and Vietnam. This new connection marks a key milestone in Vietjet’s expansion within the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region, following its entry into Australia in April 2023.
Enhanced Pilot Training
During his visit, VJAA and the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) signed an agreement to enhance pilot training, supporting the development of a highly skilled aviation workforce in Vietnam and the broader region. VJAA’s cutting-edge facilities meet European standards and feature full-flight simulators, aircraft and cabin mock-ups, and engineering training centres. The academy also boasts world-class amenities, including an Olympic-standard swimming pool and a stadium, offering a comprehensive training environment for future aviation professionals.
Prime Minister Luxon met with Vietjet’s billionaire founder, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, to discuss further opportunities for collaboration. The meeting followed Vietjet’s recent announcement of its first-ever service between New Zealand and Vietnam, connecting the two countries’ largest cities and economic hubs.
Prime Minister Luxon stated: “I can see how Vietjet has been built into such a successful airline in a very short period. Vietjet will be very critical for us to be able to realise and to catalyse the next growth because we have huge ambitions in the education sector, tourism sector, and we want stronger people and people links so that we can drive more capital trade and investment between our two countries. And that will be possible because of the start of the Vietjet services.”
Expanding Partnerships
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao reaffirmed Vietjet’s commitment to strengthening Vietnam-New Zealand relations and said: “Our bilateral trade target of USD3 billion is well within reach, built upon the solid foundation of existing cooperation agreements. Vietjet, alongside businesses from both nations, is committed to expanding partnerships, driving sustainable development, and soaring to new heights together.”
In line with this vision, Vietjet also proposed establishing a Vietjet Hub in New Zealand – a multi-functional centre to connect New Zealand’s tourism and investment hubs with Vietjet’s extensive flight network. The hub would also serve as a platform for educational exchanges, cultural promotion, and business collaboration, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit concluded on a high note with his participation, alongside Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, in co-piloting a simulated flight landing at a New Zealand airport using Vietjet’s state-of-the-art flight simulator. The moment was especially significant given Luxon’s background as the former Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand.
