Passengers get off an airplane at the Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung

This has been envisioned in a draft project for air transport, submitted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV).

Accordingly, air transport for passengers and goods would make up for 3.23 and 0.04 per cent, respectively, of the transport industry. In addition, the percentage of international passengers transported would reach 45.3 per cent by 2020.

The service quality of traditional airlines would be enhanced to be ranked four-star or five-star by Skytrax, while budget airlines would ramp up quality to reach the regional level, with delay and cancellation rates maintained at about 12 to 15 per cent.

In addition, the number of commercial jets is expected to reach around 200 by 2020, with an increase in the number of aeroplanes, which would ensure energy savings and an environmental friendly business expansion.

During 2015 the 2020 period, national carrier Viet Nam Airlines would expand flight routes to the United States (San Francisco, Los Angeles), India (New Delhi, Mumbai), New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and routes from and to the Phu Bai Airport and Can Tho Airport.

VietJet would also start operating international routes to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, South Asia and Europe.

The airliner on Sunday received an A321 plane it purchased from Airbus as part of the efforts.The new arrival will increase VietJet's fleet to a total of 23 planes, helping with the airline's expansion plan.

Currently, four domestic airlines operate in Viet Nam, including Viet Nam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, VietJet and Vasco, in which Jetstar and VietJet are low-cost carriers.

Data of the CAAV showed that as of 2014, 45 international carriers from 25 countries and territories were operated flights to and from Viet Nam on 83 routes to Ha Noi, HCM City and Da Nang City. — VNS