The growth comes simultaneously with Vietnam’s GDP which grew rapidly. According to company reports, the figure grew 6.88% YoY for the quarter ended in September, while its citizens continue to travel outside the country.

On 8 November, the budget carrier began a new service between Hanoi and Kansai Airport. The new route linking Hanoi with Osaka is expected to further boost tourism and trade integration between the two countries and across the region — a big part of its growth strategy.

Jeremy Goldstrich, corporate executive vice president and COO of Kansai Airports, said: “We are honoured that Kansai Airport has been chosen as Vietjet’s first destination in Japan from Hanoi and soon to be from Ho Chi Minh City.

Furthermore, in 2017, Vietjet flew past Vietnam Airlines, leading the way in domestic traffic. The recent success has attracted stock market investors — in effect, Vietjet has surpassed its Malaysian rival, AirAsia, making it the second most valuable airline in Southeast Asia, placing under Singapore Airlines with a market cap of USD 3.6 billion.