This could be a smokescreen.
Vietnam Airlines enjoys protection on a large number of their routes, loads have always been good and international fares expensive. Lack of revenue is not the problem, quite possibly the opposite. So what's happened?
A short study of business in Vietnam will reveal that every now & then a large financial shortfall will appear. This often happens without warning or sufficient (read, credible) explanation.
As with most asian countries there is always an ulterior motive and when it comes to money, greed and corruption are common bedfellows.
It's true the local drivers have been promised/offered a 30%+30%+30% payrise and this money must (has to be seen to) come from somewhere. I suspect that once the expat paycuts have been achieved the local guys will be disappointed to learn their promised payrise has been with withdrawn. The black hole must be filled, and quietly.
Unfortunately, the expats are faced with a simple but unpalatable choice. Wear the paycut or vote with your feet.
Another characteristic of the Viets is that they have absolutely no anticipation. Crewing numbers have never been sufficient, (every day several aircraft pushed up on the fence), and resignations by expats will exacerbate an already critical situation. Which right now they will not be considering.
This will result in them advertising again for expat pilots and offering pre paycut (or better) wages. Sadly this won't happen before disrupting the lives of many good people.
The former CP has a vision of an all local crew airline. In which case one could reasonably expect to see an increase in "smoking holes". I pray this doesn't happen.
Rant over, best wishes and good luck to all...
