Vietnam has just 12 private jets for 100 million people: Here’s why the market is about to take off
July 28, 2025
As of mid‑2025, Vietnam’s business aviation sector comprises only 10–12 registered business jets, just three of which are available for charter, despite a population of over 100 million.
That staggering ratio underpins a compelling opportunity for private jet companies in Vietnam.
Vietnam business aviation: Why the fleet gap matters
Despite slight growth from eight jets in 2021, the country still lacks critical capacity. With no more than three charter-ready jets, businesses and individuals face limited access and inflated pricing.
Vietnam’s economy is growing at over 7% in H1 2025, and the ultra-high-net-worth segment is expanding rapidly.
“The growth of Vietnamese corporations has been very positive,” says Quang Le, Key Account Manager at the Ho Chi Minh City office of international flight brokerage firm Chapman Freeborn. “These companies have already realised the benefit of using private flights as a business tool to help them develop their business better and more efficiently.”
As well as Vietnamese firms expanding, international companies are increasingly setting up shop in the country. In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam attracted over $10 billion in foreign direct investments, up 35% year on year. In the first half, Vietnam’s GDP grew by over 7%, the highest growth rate for 15 years.
All this adds up to a demand environment ripe for business aviation, and with incredibly low capacity at present, Chapman Freeborn sees a gold-plated opportunity.
“This market, at the moment, lacks a couple of aircraft types, especially in terms of mid-size jets,” Le explains. “Vietnam really only has heavy jets or ultra-long range, which are expensive to charter to start with.”
Le believes that having the right product can generate new traffic.
“An introduction of mid-size jets would significantly reduce the price for short flights that typically last an hour or so,” he says. “Routes like Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang or Phu Quoc, which are popular for both business and leisure travel, become prohibitively expensive with only large aircraft available.”
Regulatory shifts shaping Vietnam private jet growth
Vietnam has historically lagged in issuing business jet AOCs, with limited infrastructure and airport congestion restricting fleet deployment.
However, operators like Vietstar Airlines (Fly VIP Air) are beginning to fill gaps with private jet and air ambulance services based in Ho Chi Minh City; evidence of regulatory adaptation.
“A mere 10 years ago, there were no local AOCs operating business jets, and the regulatory environment in Vietnam was built around commercial aviation only,” Le explains.
“This commercial-focused framework was initially applied to business aviation as well, which meant limited flexibility and increased costs for business jet operators, aircraft owners, and ultimately, passengers.”
Le says the regulatory environment has improved significantly in recent years, with protocols for private flights implemented at almost all Vietnamese airports, and a smoother pathway to registration and operation of business jets.
For Chapman Freeborn, establishing a strategic presence in Vietnam is intended to make it an early mover. “I wouldn’t say we’re the earliest to come here, but we came here with a dedicated team in this country, speaking the language, understanding the local market,” Le explains.
The combination of expanding domestic corporations, increasing foreign investment, and emerging luxury tourism creates strong demand fundamentals for business aviation companies. But Chapman Freeborn is under no illusions, and admits there are challenges to overcome.
“It’s uncharted waters,” says Le, “but the companies that manage to successfully navigate today may well be positioned to excel in the market and shape it.”
