CN
5 Jun 2025
Strategic appointment strengthens Vietjet’s international growth ambitions and board expertise.
Former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rösler Joins Vietjet's Board of Directors
Ho Chi Minh City – June 2025
In a strategic move to bolster its global ambitions, Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HoSE: VJC) has officially appointed Dr. Philipp Rösler, former Vice Chancellor of Germany, as a member of its Board of Directors for the 2022–2027 term.
Dr. Rösler, a German of Vietnamese origin born in 1973 in Sóc Trăng, Vietnam, brings with him over three decades of experience in economic leadership and public service. His political career includes notable roles as Germany’s Minister of Health, Minister of Economics and Technology, and, from 2011 to 2013, Vice Chancellor – marking the first time a person of Asian descent held this role in Germany’s history.
Following his political tenure, Dr. Rösler transitioned into global economic leadership, serving as Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland from 2014 to 2017. He has since taken on advisory and board-level roles at prominent organizations, including Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, Lufthansa, and Vietnam’s own VinaCapital Ventures, where he chaired the international advisory board. His areas of focus have spanned innovation, aviation, technology, and sustainable growth.
A licensed pilot and aviation enthusiast, Dr. Rösler is expected to contribute meaningfully to Vietjet’s ongoing expansion strategy. A company representative emphasized, “With Dr. Rösler’s global experience and deep understanding of economics, technology, and international markets, we believe he will help Vietjet strengthen its role as a growth bridge between Vietnam and the global economy.”
Alongside this appointment, Vietjet announced the transition of four senior board members – Donal Boylan, Lưu Đức Khánh, Chu Việt Cường, and Nguyễn Thành Hưng – to advisory and founding board positions, making way for the airline’s next phase of leadership and strategic focus.
Aggressive Growth and Global Reach
Dr. Rösler joins Vietjet at a time of significant momentum. In Q1 2025 alone, the airline recorded consolidated revenue of VND 17,952 billion and pre-tax profit of VND 836 billion, completing 38% of its annual profit plan. The airline transported over 6.87 million passengers and operated nearly 38,700 flights, reflecting year-on-year growth of 9% in passenger volume and 12% in flights.
Vietjet continues to rapidly expand its fleet and route network. With the recent addition of two new aircraft, the company now operates 96 planes, aiming for 101 by the end of 2025. The airline also signed a major order for 20 Airbus A330-900neo wide-body aircraft, reinforcing its ambitions for long-haul growth. Vietjet now holds a total order of 40 A330neos and is preparing to activate long-range routes connecting Vietnam to Eastern and Western Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Currently, the airline serves 145 routes – 101 international and 44 domestic – and opened 18 new routes in Q1 2025 alone. Its low-cost model, paired with increasing investment in long-haul capacity, reflects a strategic effort to export the Vietjet brand globally.
Strategic Investments and Shareholder Commitments
Beyond aviation, Vietjet is expanding its ancillary revenue streams by offering travel-related financial services across digital platforms – including foreign exchange and credit card services – to build resilience against fare-based competition.
The airline has also received approval to invest in Long Thanh International Airport infrastructure, including maintenance hangars on an 8-hectare site. Construction is set to begin following the finalization of EPC contracts.
In its 2025 AGM, Vietjet outlined plans to raise charter capital from VND 5,400 billion to VND 5,900 billion through a rights issuance. Shareholders will be eligible to purchase 9.2 new shares per 100 held at a fixed price of VND 10,000/share. The company also confirmed plans to distribute profits via dividends – either in cash or shares – equivalent to 20% of par value.
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