Vietjet officially kick-started its self-handled ground operations at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport on 4 September, becoming the first ever private carrier to set up its own ground handling arm in Vietnam.

The move aims to improve the airline’s service quality, independence and the flexibility to adjust its own flight schedule to meet seasonal flight operations, especially during peak season, the company said in a press release.

“The launch of Vietjet ground services in Hanoi today is one of Vietjet’s milestones of strategic development to optimize our cost-reducing opportunities while enhancing ground handling service quality and create more sources of revenue,” said Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet’s vice president.

Vietjet said it proactively sought for opportunities to respond to the changing and challenging business environment. In addition to boosting its cargo transport services, the carrier plans to deliver e-commerce products to generate more revenue.

The carrier operates over 30 domestic and international routes from and to Noi Bai International Airport, making it the ideal stage to test ground handling services as the airline looks to expand.

Vietjet said it is ready to activate its flight plans for international markets as soon as the authorities give the green light. The civil aviation authority in Vietnam earlier proposed resuming flights to six Asian cities by mid-September, including Guangzhou, Seoul, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Taipei and Tokyo.