Vietjet presses ahead with Europe flights despite Middle East turmoil

Vietnamese budget carrier eyes direct routes and cost savings as it turns to Chinese jets

A Vietjet Air aircraft and board member Philipp Rosler during an interview in Ho Chi Minh City. (Nikkei Montage)

HO CHI MINH CITY -- Vietjet Air plans to launch flights to Europe this year despite the Middle East conflict, with an eye on eventual direct routes, as it also looks to cut costs by leasing Chinese-made aircraft, the Vietnamese budget carrier told Nikkei Asia.