Conditions on import of private aircraft

Question (A Vietnamese American): As a pilot trained and graduated in the US, I have been running a liability-limited tourism aviation company in the US for over 18 years. I want to bring my private helicopter to Việt Nam for individual use or training. What does Việt Nam require for importing a private aircraft?  

Answer (Lawyer NHQuang’s Office, B23 Trung Hòa–Nhân Chính Villa Complex, Thanh Xuân District, Hà Nội):

Article 19 of the Việt Nam Civil Aviation Law, dated on June 29, 2006, allows foreign organizations and individuals to import aircraft into Việt Nam for training and civil flights, not for carrying passengers, cargoes, airmail, and parcels, if these vehicles meet adequate provisions of aviation safety, security, national security, and business demands. 

According to Article 198 of the Law, owners of imported aircraft must register their business activities and establish joint-ventures in Việt Nam. 

Under Point b, Item 1, Article 10 of Decree 76/2007/NĐ-CP which stipulates air transportation and aviation activities, foreign-invested companies providing aviation services can hold a maximum of 49% of the charter capital and each foreign individual or legal entity can own not more than 30% of the charter capital.

Based on these provisions, by establishing a joint-venture with Vietnamese partners, can a foreigner import private aircraft and run a business on pilot training in Việt Nam.

Noticeably, the imported aircraft must be built less than 15 years since the moment of its import.

Please contact to the Việt Nam Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Transport for further information./.