Current Role | President & CEO, VietJet Air |
Previous Position | Founder, Sovico Holdings |
Key Recognition | Vietnam’s first self-made female billionaire | Forbes Asia 50 Power Businesswomen |
Background and Early Foundations
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao began studying economics in Moscow before returning to Vietnam to pursue banking and investment. With a keen sense for market gaps, she founded VietJet Air in 2007 with the goal of democratizing air travel in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
2011 | Launched VietJet’s first commercial flight |
2017 | Listed VietJet on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange |
2023 | Expanded international routes to India, Australia, and Japan |
- Fleet Size: Over 100 aircraft
- Passengers Carried: 100+ million
- Known For: Cost leadership, aggressive route expansion, and innovative marketing
Leadership Style and Influence
Thao is known for her bold and unorthodox strategies. She broke social and business norms by leading a budget airline in a male-dominated industry. Her leadership is pragmatic, data-driven, and focused on customer accessibility.
Legacy and Future Focus
Thao redefined air travel in Vietnam, turning VietJet into a household name. Her continued focus is on expanding access to aviation and developing regional aviation infrastructure.
