By aviation writer Scott Mayman

Canberra could emerge as a destination for a new domestic airline backed by Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet, although no routes have been confirmed and the venture still requires regulatory approval.

Speculation about Vietjet’s Australian plans has intensified after the airline registered its first aircraft in Australia, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 manufactured this year.

The aircraft, VH-T8A, appeared on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority register on September 23, with Melbourne-based Cherrie Aviation listed as its operator. Vietjet told Australian Aviation it had agreed to lease the aircraft to an Australian entity, which was seeking regulatory approval to operate in Australia.

The move is the strongest indication yet that Vietjet intends to establish an Australian domestic operation.

However, there has been no confirmation of proposed destinations or flight schedules, including whether Canberra would be included in the network.

Vietjet has reportedly applied for an Australian air operator’s certificate and has already secured conditional slots at Sydney Airport for its proposed domestic carrier.

The development comes as Vietjet expands its international presence in Australia.

The airline will begin twice-weekly flights between Western Sydney International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City in January, increasing to three services a week in March. Its Thai joint venture also plans four weekly Western Sydney-Bangkok services from November 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

Vietjet already flies between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

The possible new entrant would add to a changing Australian aviation market, with start-ups Koala Airlines and Zinc Airlines also announcing plans to establish domestic operations.

For Canberra, Vietjet’s plans remain another possible source of competition, but whether its aircraft will ultimately appear at Canberra Airport is yet to be revealed.

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