In a recent document sent to the Vietnam Airlines Corporation, as well as aviation companies Vietjet, Tre Viet, Pacific Airlines, and Vietnam Travel, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) emphasized the need to strengthen state management and strictly control airfares.

Key points from the Directive:

1. Increase transport capacity: Airlines are instructed to add more transport capacity on both international and domestic routes. This includes working with global aircraft leasing partners to find replacement aircraft for those grounded due to engine recalls. Additionally, airlines are to study the possibility of increasing flight capacity on domestic and tourist routes, especially those involving Can Tho International Airport.

2. Regulation of passenger transport service prices: The CAAV requires airlines to strictly adhere to regulations on domestic air passenger transport service prices. This includes declaring prices, posting prices, and publicizing information on prices and ticket sales programs as per regulations. Airlines are also instructed to review and clarify the information displayed on ticket prices to avoid passenger confusion.

3. Flexible fare ranges and preferential policies: Airlines are encouraged to develop flexible fare ranges and maintain preferential policies for domestic airfares that align with market realities and the needs of the public. This includes catering to major tourism and festival programs.

4. Inspection and monitoring: The CAAV emphasizes the importance of regularly inspecting and monitoring the electronic ticketing system and ticket sales through agent channels. Airlines are expected to detect and handle any violations regarding ticket sales, price declarations, and listings that breach legal or company policies.

Mr. Le Hong Ha, General Director of Vietnam Airlines, highlighted the significant aircraft shortage faced by the airline. Due to Pratt & Whitney engine failures on Airbus aircraft, Vietnam Airlines has grounded 11 aircraft and expects to ground an additional 6 by the end of the year. The repair and maintenance period for these aircraft is between 250-300 days, extending the shortage until the end of 2024 and gradually improving by mid-2025.

Globally, over 1,500 A320 and A321 NEO aircraft are affected by engine recalls, with about 340 (nearly 30%) currently grounded.

In a recent inspection conducted by CAAV on the declaration and listing of airfares by four airlines and six agents, it was found that all airlines declared prices within the framework prescribed by the Ministry of Transport, and these prices did not exceed the maximum levels set by the regulations.

The CAAV’s directive aims to ensure the availability of aircraft to meet demand, especially during peak tourism seasons, while maintaining fair pricing and transparency in the airline industry.

N. Huyen