Vietnam’s aviation industry is rapidly expanding, driven by booming tourism and increasing trade. The country is positioning itself as a major player in Southeast Asia, aiming to compete with established aviation hubs like Singapore and Thailand. Two key airlines—Vietnam Airlines (VN), the government-owned flag carrier, and VietJet Air (VJ), the country’s leading low-cost airline—are leading this transformation.
For aspiring pilots and aviation professionals, understanding the salary structures and benefits of these airlines is essential. Let’s explore the earnings, contracts, and perks offered to captains at Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air.
Vietnam Airlines Pilot Salary & Benefits
Overview of Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines operates a fleet of 93 aircraft, with 66 destinations worldwide. The airline is also expanding its reach to the United States, supported by its SkyTeam alliance membership.
Vietnam Airlines Captain Salary
- Monthly Salary: $10,000 – $18,000
- Annual Salary: $120,000 – $216,000
- Salaries vary based on experience, nationality, aircraft type, and seniority.
- Captains operate mainly Airbus A320 family, Airbus A350-900, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
- Expected flight hours: 190 hours per two-month roster.
Contract Details
- Contract Duration: 2 to 5 years (based on factors like nationality and aircraft type).
- Base assignments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with potential transfers.
- Captains receive a minimum guaranteed salary, with overtime pay available.
- Expatriate pilots are paid in USD, allowing for better international investment opportunities.
Vietnam Airlines Pilot Benefits
- Career Progression – Pilots can advance to line-training captain and type-rating instructor roles.
- 13 Weeks of Annual Leave – Includes public holidays, rostered days off, and sick leave.
- Medical Insurance – Comprehensive global coverage for pilots and their families.
- Loss of Income Insurance – Covers unexpected job loss due to illness or disability.
- Ticket Allowance – Up to 20 free tickets for pilots and their families annually. Business-class upgrades are available based on seat availability.
- Job Security – Being a government-owned airline, Vietnam Airlines offers stable employment and financial security.
Salary Disparity Between Local and Expat Pilots
There have been reports of payment differences between locally hired pilots and expatriates, with some local employees claiming lower pay despite similar experience and responsibilities.
VietJet Air Pilot Salary & Benefits
Overview of VietJet Air
Founded in 2007 and operational since 2011, VietJet Air is Vietnam’s first privately owned airline. It operates from five major cities—Da Nang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang—and serves 115 destinations, nearly twice as many as Vietnam Airlines.
VietJet Air Captain Salary
- Monthly Salary: $8,000 – $12,000
- Annual Salary: $96,000 – $144,000
- Salaries are lower than Vietnam Airlines due to fewer long-haul flights and lower flying hours.
- Fleet: Over 100 Airbus A320 family aircraft and seven Airbus A330-300s. The airline has 300 aircraft on order, including Boeing 737 MAX.
Contract Details
- Contract Duration: 2 to 3 years (renewable).
- Five-year contracts are rare due to VietJet’s low-cost and flexible model.
- Salaries include conditional bonuses and annual appraisals.
VietJet Air Pilot Benefits
- Career Progression – Opportunities for promotions to line trainer and instructor roles.
- Housing Allowance – VietJet provides accommodation to pilots in their base city.
- Extra Allowances – Includes communication and seniority allowances.
- Unlimited Free Travel – Pilots and their families can fly free across VietJet’s network with no ticket limit.
Vietnam Airlines vs. VietJet Air: Salary & Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Vietnam Airlines | VietJet Air |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | $10,000 – $18,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Annual Salary | $120,000 – $216,000 | $96,000 – $144,000 |
| Contract Length | 2 – 5 years | 2 – 3 years |
| Fleet | Airbus A320, A350, Boeing 787 | Airbus A320, A330 (expanding to Boeing 737 MAX) |
| Flying Hours | 190 hours (two months) | Lower than VN |
| Career Growth | Internal promotions | Internal promotions |
| Annual Leave | 13 weeks | Standard industry leave |
| Medical Insurance | Global coverage | Basic coverage |
| Income Protection | Yes | No |
| Ticket Benefits | 20 tickets/year | Unlimited free travel |
| Housing Allowance | No | Yes |
| Payment Currency | USD (for expats) | VND (local currency) |
Vietnam’s aviation industry is growing rapidly, with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air leading the way. Vietnam Airlines offers higher salaries and greater job security, making it an attractive option for expatriates and experienced captains. Meanwhile, VietJet Air provides more flexibility, housing support, and unlimited free travel, making it a good choice for those who prefer a low-cost airline environment.
As both airlines expand their fleets and introduce new aircraft, pilot demand is expected to rise. This could lead to even better salary packages, bonuses, and job benefits for pilots in Vietnam’s aviation sector in the near future.
