MOSCOW- The Russian Transport Ministry has proposed that Vietnamese carriers consider wet-leasing aircraft to Russian airlines. Aeroflot (SU) could be among the Russian carriers that may benefit from additional capacity, while Moscow (MOW) remains a key gateway for Russia’s international air traffic.
The proposal comes as air travel between Russia and Vietnam has increased sharply. According to Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin, passenger traffic between the two countries has nearly tripled compared with last year.
Russia Seeks Vietnamese Aircraft for Wet Lease
Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said the ministry has sent proposals to Vietnamese authorities regarding the possible transfer of aircraft under wet-lease arrangements.
According to Interfax, the Russian side is looking to expand air connectivity with Vietnam and open additional access points for Russian airlines.
The proposal would allow Russian carriers to use aircraft from Vietnamese airlines together with their crews under a wet-lease arrangement.
Air Traffic Between Russia and Vietnam Growing
Nikitin said transportation links between Russia and Vietnam are showing strong growth.
Air traffic between the two countries has increased almost threefold compared with the previous year. Russia wants to maintain this growth by expanding airline access and increasing cooperation with Vietnam.
The proposed wet leases could provide Russian airlines with additional aircraft capacity without requiring immediate fleet purchases.
Russia Expanded Wet-Lease Rules
Russia introduced broader wet-leasing rules last year after President Vladimir Putin signed legislation allowing Russian airlines to lease aircraft from foreign carriers with their crews.
Previously, wet leasing in Russia was limited to arrangements between domestic airlines and domestic flights.
A wet lease generally includes the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allowing an airline to add capacity without independently managing the aircraft and crew operation.
Aeroflot First Used the New Arrangement
The first Russian wet-lease agreement under the expanded framework was agreed by Aeroflot (SU) in late 2024.
The Russian flag carrier leased three Airbus A330 widebody aircraft from iFly (F7) together with their crews. A fourth aircraft was later reported under the arrangement.
However, no additional wet-lease agreements involving Russian airlines or foreign carriers have been reported since then, according to the report.
What Happens Next?
Vietnamese authorities are currently considering Russia’s proposal. No agreement between Vietnamese and Russian airlines has been announced yet.
If approved, the arrangement could give Russian carriers additional aircraft capacity while supporting Moscow’s plans to expand air connectivity with Vietnam.
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