• VJAA and IAANZ sign an agreement for pilot training 

(Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2025) – New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made a visit to Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA), one of the most advanced aviation training centers in the world. In his presence, VJAA and the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) also signed an agreement for pilot training.

The partnership will offer pilot training programs to develop a highly skilled aviation workforce for Vietnam and the broader region. 

VJAA’s state-of-the-art facilities meet European standards and feature full-flight simulators (SIMs) for pilot training, aircraft and cabin mock-ups, and engineering training centers. The academy is also equipped with world-class amenities, including an Olympic-standard swimming pool and a stadium, providing a comprehensive aviation education environment.

During his visit to VJAA, NZ Prime Minister Luxon met with Vietjet’s billionaire founder, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. The meeting followed Vietjet’s recent announcement of its first-ever service between Vietnam and New Zealand, connecting the two countries’ largest cities and economic hubs. Set to launch in September 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City – Auckland route will operate four return flights per week, enhancing connectivity for travelers, businesses, and students.

NZ Prime Minister Luxon stated: “I can see how come Vietjet has been built into such a successful airline in a very short period. Vietjet will be very critical for us to be able to realise and to catalyse the next growth because we have huge ambitions in the education sector, tourism sector, and we want stronger people and people links so that we can drive more capital trade and investment between our two countries. And that will be possible because of the start of the Vietjet services.”

He added, “We have been training pilots for almost 100 years in New Zealand. The partnership that you have with the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand in training more pilots in Christchurch is really very special. Thank you for your commitment to this relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam.”

A highlight of the visit saw Prime Minister Luxon and Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao co-piloting a simulated flight landing at a New Zealand airport using Vietjet’s state-of-the-art flight simulator. The moment was particularly significant given Luxon’s background as the former Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao reaffirmed Vietjet’s commitment to strengthening Vietnam-New Zealand relations, emphasizing the airline’s role in enhancing economic, cultural, and technological exchanges.

“Our bilateral trade target of USD3 billion is well within reach, built upon the solid foundation of existing cooperation agreements. Vietjet, alongside businesses from both nations, is committed to expanding partnerships, driving sustainable development, and soaring to new heights together,” said the billionaire entrepreneur.

In line with this vision, Vietjet proposed establishing a Vietjet Hub in New Zealand—a multi-functional center to connect New Zealand’s tourism and investment hubs with Vietjet’s extensive flight network. The hub would also serve as a platform for educational exchanges, cultural promotion, and business collaboration, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.