LookAtVietnam Bridge – VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company (VietJet Air) is the first private airline in Vietnam. It was licensed in December and now focuses on preparations for its first regularly-scheduled flight later this year. Viet Nam News reporter spoke to the carrier’s newly-appointed CEO, Brian Presbury, about his strategy for the new airline.

What are your airline’s plans for the future?

VietJet Air is now the first private airline in Vietnam. It has an initial investment capital of VND600bil (US$37.5mil) in conformity with Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Law that requires minimum initial charter capital of VND500bil ($31.2mil).

VietJet Air plans to raise its charter capital to $100-150mil after nine to 12 months to expand services and buy more planes. We will call for outside investors for this and will not be based totally on current shareholders such as T&C Group, Sovico Group and the Housing Development Bank (HDBank).

We plan to operate an initial two or three planes at the end of this year and add two planes early next year. In the near future, we plan to make 1,000 flights a month in order to gain a larger market share.

VietJet Air will focus on domestic routes between Hanoi, Da Nang and HCM City in the first year of operation. Other domestic and international destinations will be opened later.

The company will also supply the most convenient services, such as booking and payment on-line.

What are the prospects for private airlines in domestic aviation?

When researching industries participating in and controlled wholly by the State, I obviously have seen certain limitations, and the aviation industry will be influenced, of course.

The participation of private airlines and of VietJet Air in particular will promote the development of the aviation industry. Given its status, a private airline will be allowed to be more flexible and dynamic than a State-owned airline.

How would you compare Vietnam’s aviation industry with that of other countries, especially in countries in which you have worked before?

I have had opportunities to work with some African airlines in Kenya and Ghana. I think that the Vietnamese have much more self-confidence and ambition and do not depend on foreign aid as much.

Furthermore, the Asian market as a whole is more open than the African market, which requires additional Government support.

Last but not least, the Vietnamese feel elated in welcoming high-tech and are willing to take part in modern industries which create good conditions for foreign investors pouring capital into Vietnam.

A profuse, highly-skilled labour force with seasoned experience is also the most important long-term target for all in the aviation industry now.

We are sure to face many challenges, like fuel prices and runway quality, but quality of services will determine the survival of our airline.

Why did you make the decision to join VietJet Air?

When arriving in Vietnam last year, I saw a bright future and many development opportunities for the local aviation industry and decided to choose Vietnam as my next destination. In other words, I had a fine, strong impression of the Vietnamese.

Prior to VietJet Air, I was CEO of Ghana International Airlines and Kenya Airways and held various positions with Cable&Wireless Group PLC and Reed Employment. So, I have experience in a number of fields that may be required in my new position.

(Source: Viet Nam News)