During the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese airlines have rented 15 aircraft and their flight crews in response to travel demands. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Amid the fluctuations in the number of Vietnamese airlines’ fleets, the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam have taken measures to ensure passengers’ travel plans and their rights as consumers, especially for the holiday seasons in spring and summer.

In September 2023, aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney announced the recall of its PW1100 engines, of which up to 700 units are in operation worldwide, for inspection due to manufacturing flaws. 

In Việt Nam, this engine model was used in several Airbus A321 NEO operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, which means that these planes will be grounded until 2025. 

Meanwhile, Bamboo Airways is also undergoing a restructuring process and will suspend its Embraer E190 fleet of three jets to cut costs and balance its budget. 

The airline has also stopped routes that use these aircraft, which are Hà Nội - Huế/Đồng Hới/Côn Đảo and HCM City - Đồng Hới/Côn Đảo. 

A CAAV representative said: “These factors will have a direct impact on transportation capacity, the size of air fleets and load supply on domestic and international routes in 2024 and 2025.”

The agency has required airlines to be proactive in organising their flight schedules and preparing backup plans, which might include obtaining more aircraft or wet-leasing (short-term leases) agreements during the peak periods and calculating the optimal operation plans prior to engine overhauls.

During the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday, Vietnamese airlines have rented 15 aircraft and their flight crews, of which four have lease terms that last until May this year, in response to travel demands. 

The total capacity in this holiday season reached 7.2 million seats, increasing by 16 per cent compared to the same period last year, and by 26 per cent compared to the current average flight schedule. 

More than 5 million of these seats are on domestic flights, while the remaining 2.2 million are international. 

As the airport infrastructure in Côn Đảo, a popular tourist destination off the southern coast of Việt Nam, can only handle smaller aircraft such as the ATR72 and the Embraer E190, the CAAV has ordered airlines to review their operation plans and look into increasing the load supply of flights travelling from and to the archipelago.

The agency also required airlines to publish daily updates on flight schedule changes on their websites and other communication channels.

They must also comply with the carrier’s obligations towards passengers according to the laws, as well as regulations on the announcement and listing of airfare to prevent illegal price increases. 

The CAAV recommends that passengers look into transportation means and itineraries that suit their travel plans, especially for Côn Đảo. 

They should also proactively follow updates on flight operation schedules to prepare and reserve tickets early, which should be booked via official and authorised ticket offices and agents. 

Passengers can also contact the CAAV, the regional airports authority or other relevant state agencies through their respective hotlines in cases where their rights as consumers are affected. — VNS