IATA (International Air Transport Association) forecasts that the total number of travelers will reach 4 billion in two years, with the Vietnamese market exceeding the world average in terms of the aviation recovery pace. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism data, domestic visitors in May 2022 reached 12 million visitor arrivals, up 243% compared to the same period in 2021. This fact, combined with many other aspects, urges domestic airlines to feed their pilot recruitment needs and rightsize their fleets, creating opportunities for prospective pilots.

Vietnam Airlines

Established on 27th May 1995, Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier, playing a significant role in the air transport of Vietnam and the primary carrier in South East Asia, operating 94 routes to 22 domestic and 29 international destinations with an average of 400 flights per day. Currently, it plans to evaluate the Airbus A220 and Embraer E190/195 regional jets as part of its fleet renewal plans to replace its retiring ATR 72 turboprops by 2023. The airline’s geographic focus is also changing. India is the largest untapped market that Vietnam Airlines had not been operating flights to until recently. In June, it launched regular service between its two gateways of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the Indian capital.

VietJet Air

Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air recently celebrated 10 years since commencing operations in December 2011. This year, it keeps implementing the digital transformation project to meet the growing customer needs. The carrier continues to promote the development of new business segments, including freight and ground services. It has also been recruiting captains and co-pilots for Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft. VietJet has started serving the Indian market with 13-14 flights per day to various country’s destinations and plans to add more Airbus A330 planes.

Bamboo Airways

Bamboo Airways, which BAA Training Vietnam has partnered with from the beginning of the airline’s operations in 2019, is recruiting more personnel as it is expanding its network. On its website, this airline is announcing job vacancies for pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and department officials. A maximum monthly salary of up to US$13,300 is offered for the captain of a wide-body Boeing 787 and $8,000 for a co-pilot. Captain and co-pilot of narrow-body aircraft would earn about $10,450 and $6,300, respectively. As per local insiders, such a salary is higher than the average in the market before the pandemic. Since the end of last year, this airline has been recruiting flight attendants offering five-star flight attendants a monthly income of up to $1,500 and $3,000 for a chief flight attendant.

Vietravel Airlines

Having hired around 200 pilots and flight attendants since its founding, Vietravel Airlines has recently published recruitment advertisements for A320/A321 captains, first officers, pilots, flight attendants and other staff to speed up their resumed services. With a hub in Phu Bai International Airport, it mainly flies to Southeast and Northeast Asia and the Middle East. This year, BAA Training Vietnam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a five-year comprehensive cooperation and Type Rating service agreement with Vietravel Airlines. The agreement outlines the provision of flight crew training and simulator leasing.

As you can see, each airline is leading its way in redeploying capacities to take advantage of new opportunities. As there are encouraging signs of improvement in business and international travel, airlines are likely to continue looking for ways to serve passenger demands, with pilot recruitment being one of the top priorities. If you want to become a pilot without previous aviation experience, you are welcome to check the airline-ready training package from zero to a First Officer at BAA Training Vietnam. If you already have a licence and need A320 Type Rating training, BAA Training Vietnam can also help you with that. Do you imagine flying for one of the abovementioned airlines one day? It always seems impossible until it’s done!