VietJetAir (VJ, Hanoi Noi Bai International) is seeking regulatory approval to establish an Australian subsidiary, according to the Australian Financial Review newspaper, which cited people familiar with the matter.

The Vietnamese low-cost carrier has reportedly applied to the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for an air operator's certificate and approval to launch a locally incorporated airline with an initial fleet of ten B737 aircraft.

If approved, the venture would allow VietJetAir to operate domestic services within Australia through a local subsidiary. It already has established operations in Viet Nam and Thailand, and a budding operation in Kazakhstan following the takeover of Qazaq Air.

The reported plans follow earlier industry speculation that VietJetAir was assessing opportunities in Australia after the collapse of Bonza (Sunshine Coast) in 2024, including a possible acquisition of the start-up's AOC. No transaction materialised, however.

VietJetAir currently serves four Australian destinations from Ho Chi Minh City: Brisbane International, Melbourne Airport, Perth International, and Sydney Kingsford Smith.

ch-aviation has reached out to VietJetAir for comment.