The press conference to introduce 'Propelling Việt Nam's Regional Aviation' report in Hà Nội this week. — Photo provided by agency

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has significant untapped potential for the growth of regional aviation, according to ATR, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of regional aircraft.

The Head of Asia Pacific Region at ATR, Jean-Pierre Clercin, highlighted the opportunities for regional aviation to significantly enhance connectivity across Việt Nam.

During a press conference in Hà Nội this week, Clercin said regional aviation has the potential to significantly improve mobility, complement surface-based transportation, and strengthen the network of secondary cities, ensuring that more communities can benefit from the economic growth.

Furthermore, regional aviation will also optimise the use of existing regional airports, he said.

The 'Propelling Việt Nam's Regional Aviation' report, which was released at the event, reveals that 90 per cent of domestic air traffic is concentrated at just ten of the country’s 22 airports, leaving many regional airports underutilised.

The report further indicates that 25 per cent of domestic flights in Việt Nam cover distances of less than 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) but are operated by larger aircraft, limiting efficiency in terms of both cost and frequency.

Currently, regional aircraft make up just 2 per cent of the total fleet in the country, while they account for 25 per cent of the global fleet and 17 per cent of Japan's fleet, Clercin said, adding that this suggests significant potential for operating regional aircraft in Việt Nam.

The report also highlighted that regional airlines operate in a distinct market compared to non-regional carriers. As such, a regional airline in Việt Nam would not directly compete with existing airlines in their core businesses. Instead, it would primarily serve to increase traffic to secondary airports.

At the same time, the creation of new routes from secondary airports will enhance connectivity between provinces, fostering better business opportunities and driving GDP growth for destination cities, it noted.

A growing market with untapped potential

According to ATR, Việt Nam's aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with domestic air travel projected to increase by over 20 per cent by 2027. This surge in demand calls for a more robust and interconnected air transport network.

The government's plan to expand the network of approved commercial airports from 22 to 30 by 2030 further emphasises the critical role of regional aviation in connecting communities and unlocking the country’s full economic potential.

By tapping into the potential of regional aviation, Việt Nam stands to develop a more integrated air transport network, aligning with its broader vision of becoming a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia, ATR noted. — VNS