Vietjet and Emirates have signed a cooperation agreement to expand connections between major Vietnamese cities and Dubai, UAE, as well as global destinations. The signing took place in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum. This agreement aims to boost tourism and trade between the two nations, creating new opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation.
Under the agreement, Emirates passengers will be able to seamlessly connect to Vietjet’s network via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, while Vietjet passengers can easily access Emirates’ global network through Dubai, enjoying integrated service and travel experiences. The two airlines will also collaborate on technology development and digital innovations in the aviation industry.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented, “Vietnam is a promising market to enhance tourism and trade. We look forward to working with Vietjet to expand Emirates’ presence in Vietnam and explore further cooperation opportunities in the future.”
Dinh Viet Phuong, Vietjet’s CEO, expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank Emirates for trusting Vietjet’s network and passenger connections. The five-star service of Emirates allows Vietjet passengers access to global destinations at the best rates, while supporting economic and cultural ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”
As a pioneering airline in Vietnam, Vietjet actively expands its flight network and international partnerships to meet customer demand and contribute to sustainable development. Founded in 1985, Emirates is a leading five-star international airline serving over 140 destinations across six continents.
The new generation A321 aircraft, featuring the emblem commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations, was handed over by Airbus to Vietjet at Orly Airport (Paris) in the presence of General Secretary, President To Lam, along with senior leaders from both Vietnam and France.
The emblem celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France was unveiled by leaders of both nations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership. It symbolizes the close historical, cultural, economic, and bilateral ties shared by the two countries.
The Chairwoman of Vietjet’s Board of Directors, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, shared, “The Vietjet aircraft featuring the emblem commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France marks a milestone in the development of economic, cultural, and trade cooperation between the two nations, spreading positive values to the people of both countries and to international friends. We are delighted that the cooperation between Vietjet and its partners has achieved outstanding results, forming a solid foundation for the Vietnam-France strategic partnership. Today’s event is even more meaningful as it celebrates the success of the 19th Francophonie Summit, attended by leaders from nearly 100 member countries."
In 2018, Vietjet also received an A321 aircraft bearing the emblem commemorating the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations in the presence of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, during an official visit to France by Vietnam’s senior leadership delegation.
The new A321neo aircraft delivered today is the 80th aircraft produced and handed over as part of Vietjet’s order for over 206 aircraft with Airbus, a leading global aircraft manufacturer. These modern Airbus aircraft have created additional jobs for France and, along with Vietjet, have opened up flying opportunities for hundreds of millions of people and tourists, boosting trade and cultural exchange within the region and globally. During the pandemic, Vietjet’s fleet delivered millions of medical masks to the people of France, Germany, the UK, and others, as well as medical equipment, goods, and food supplies, contributing to efforts to swiftly overcome the crisis.
The collaboration between Vietjet, French partners, and Airbus has contributed to balancing the trade relations between Vietnam and France, as well as the European Union as a whole. Notably, Vietjet’s joint projects with Airbus have played a key role in establishing an aviation training and technical services center in Vietnam, offering comprehensive aircraft technical services and paving the way for aircraft component manufacturing and aviation support technology in the country.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Benoit De Saint-Exupery, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus Global, stated: "Today marks another significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Airbus, Vietjet, and the Vietnamese aviation sector. The newly delivered A321neo will be instrumental in Vietjet’s fleet expansion plan, in addition to the recent order for 20 A330neo aircraft signed at the Farnborough Airshow. We are proud and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Vietjet for many years to come."
The Vietjet A321neo aircraft features a modern design and next-generation engines, capable of reducing fuel consumption by 20% and noise levels by up to 50% compared to previous aircraft models. The new A321neo will join Vietjet's fleet of over 100 world-class modern aircraft, operating on routes covering Vietnam and international destinations such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and more. This expansion aims to meet the travel demands of residents and tourists during the peak holiday season at the end of the year.
Following the recent delivery of the new aircraft, Airbus will continue to deliver additional new aircraft to Vietjet from now until the end of 2024, demonstrating a commitment to meeting all passenger needs, expanding the flight network, ensuring sustainable development, and promoting cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges among nations and peoples worldwide.
To facilitate passenger travel between Vietnam and Thailand with a more diverse flight schedule, Vietnam Airlines will launch a new route connecting Da Nang with Don Mueang Airport, the second largest airport in Bangkok, starting November 29, 2023.
Vietnam Airlines will operate this route with a frequency of 7 flights per week using Airbus A321 aircraft. Flights will depart from Da Nang at 8:00 PM and from Don Mueang Airport at 5:05 AM every day of the week.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates 49 flights per week on direct routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Bangkok. Thailand is the destination with the highest capacity for Vietnam Airlines among its Southeast Asian routes. In the first nine months of 2023, the number of passengers transported on the Vietnam-Thailand route by Vietnam Airlines tripled compared to the same period in 2022, indicating a strong recovery and potential for growth in this market.
As a 4-star international airline according to Skytrax standards, Vietnam Airlines is committed to optimizing the passenger experience through new products and services. The airline is actively researching ways to increase frequency and launch new routes to further enhance its flight offerings between Vietnam and Thailand in the near future.
Due to the impact of typhoon BEBINCA in Shanghai, four flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Shanghai, including VN522, VN523, VN530, and VN531, will be delayed by more than 5 hours.
Vietnam Airlines sincerely regrets any changes to flight schedules due to weather conditions to ensure the absolute safety of each flight and hopes for passengers' understanding in this unforeseen situation.
On August 21, 2024, Vietnam Airlines and the Hải Dương Provincial People's Committee officially signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement for the period 2024-2028, marking an important milestone in the cooperation between the two parties.
With the aim of strongly promoting investment, trade, tourism, and aviation activities in Hải Dương Province, both parties are committed to collaborating on:
Researching and developing tourism products, travel routes, and organizing national and regional events related to foreign affairs, education, culture, sports, tourism, investment, and trade.
Collaborating on work programs for Hải Dương delegations to promote investment, tourism, and trade both domestically and internationally.
Notably, Vietnam Airlines will support the introduction of typical products and specialties from Hải Dương Province in the Golden Lotus Lounge, in-flight meals, and among member airlines. In addition, Hải Dương Province will provide maximum support for infrastructure and work closely with local businesses and organizations to coordinate with Vietnam Airlines in trade and tourism promotion activities.
This will be a practical action for Vietnam Airlines to continue to play the role of a national airline, leading collaboration with provinces and cities to contribute to promoting the economy, society, and sustainable development of the country.
This is the diary of Ms. Vũ Thị Mai Loan – Head Flight Attendant of Vietnam Airlines, recounting a special journey, taking care of a special customer.
On a flight from Sydney to Hanoi, the flight crew served a special passenger who was on a stretcher with a brain injury, accompanied by her daughter. Upon receiving the information, the crew immediately formed a team, held a detailed meeting about the passenger's condition, reviewed the procedures for serving stretcher patients, and prepared contingency plans for any unexpected situations that might arise during the flight.
Throughout the flight, with their expertise and dedication, the Vietnam Airlines flight attendants provided attentive service not only to ensure the safety of this passenger but also to listen to, empathize with, comfort, and encourage the family of the special passenger.
Vietnam's National Airline takes pride in its well-trained flight attendants who continuously participate in service enhancement courses to improve their knowledge, skills, and nurture compassion. The philosophy of “Customer-Centric” has become the guiding principle that gradually permeates the thoughts and actions of every individual at Vietnam Airlines.
On the morning of August 1, at the Government Office, Vietnam Airlines officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation aimed at connecting and developing air transportation between the Vietnam Airlines Corporation and the Hong Kong International Airport Authority (HKIA) in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang and Mr. John Lee Ka-Chiu - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
This marks an important milestone in cooperation, contributing to the promotion of economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and Hong Kong. Accordingly, both parties have made several commitments in their efforts to enhance connectivity and develop air transport:
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Collaborate to open new flight routes, increase frequency, and supplement capacity to boost trade and tourism.
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Enhance operational quality and services to maximize benefits for both sides. Cooperate in sharing practical experiences, new initiatives, and advanced technologies to optimize operational efficiency.
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Promote sustainable development in the aviation sector through solutions such as optimizing fuel efficiency, minimizing waste, and encouraging the use of renewable energy.
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Develop high-quality human resources in areas such as air transport management, aviation security, crisis management, air traffic control, pilot training, and aircraft engineering.
This MoU promises to serve as a gateway to deepen connections in the aviation industry between Vietnam and Hong Kong. Let’s look forward to the opportunities for exploring and experiencing expanded and upgraded services on flights connecting Vietnam and Hong Kong with Vietnam Airlines!
The super wide-body airplane Boeing 787-10 of Vietnam Airlines has officially landed at Noi Bai Airport. The Boeing 787-10 is one of the newest and most modern versions in Boeing's wide-body aircraft family. It is also the largest passenger aircraft in Vietnam today, with a length of over 68 meters, a commercial payload of 56-60 tons, and a maximum range of nearly 12,000 km. The aircraft has a configuration of 367 seats with 2 cabins: Business Class (24 seats) and Economy Class (343 seats). The aircraft reception event was held at Noi Bai with special ceremonies.
The Boeing 787-10 features many technological breakthroughs and modern amenities that significantly meet passengers' needs:
- Spacious space, comfortable seating, and a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system.
- Optimized LED lighting, humidity, and pressure to provide a pleasant feeling for passengers.
- The Business Class cabin is designed in a staggered herringbone layout and can fully recline flat, allowing passengers to enjoy a spacious and private environment on long-haul journeys.
Notably, this new generation aircraft is fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, incorporating advanced technology that reduces fuel consumption by 25% per seat and emissions compared to previous generations of aircraft.
With the addition of the Boeing 787-10, Vietnam Airlines now owns a fleet of nearly 100 aircraft. Among them, the wide-body fleet includes a total of 5 Boeing 787-10s, 11 Boeing 787-9s, and 14 Airbus A350s. The wide-body aircraft are primarily operated on international routes between Vietnam and Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia, the United States, and on the domestic route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Airlines continues to affirm its pioneering position in the Vietnamese aviation industry and its efforts to enhance passenger experiences on flights aiming for international 5-star standards.
Experience the Boeing 787-10 on your upcoming journey with Vietnam Airlines!
Vietnam Airlines will transfer a portion of its check-in operations at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG – Paris, France) from Terminal 2E to Terminal 2F starting from May 31, 2024.
Accordingly, Economy Class passengers (who are not Platinum members of Vietnam Airlines or Elite Plus members of Skyteam) will check in at Zone 3 – Terminal 2F.
Business Class passengers or Platinum members of Vietnam Airlines and Elite Plus members of Skyteam can choose to check in at either Terminal 2E (as before) or at Zone 2 – Terminal 2F.
Passengers at Terminal 2F are advised to plan their time wisely to complete check-in early and move quickly to the departure gate.
It is important to note that if a flight departs from Gate M in Terminal 2E, passengers at Terminal 2F will need to take a shuttle bus to this gate, with a travel time of approximately 30 to 40 minutes, not including waiting time for the bus.
“Vietnam Airlines sincerely appreciates the cooperation of passengers and hopes for their understanding in case of any inconvenience during the initial transition of check-in operations to Terminal 2F. If there are any issues at the airport, please contact ground staff for timely assistance,” a representative from Vietnam Airlines stated.
Welcoming the vibrant summer season, Vietjet has joyfully launched a direct flight route between Hanoi and Hiroshima, marking the eighth route for Vietjet between Vietnam and Japan and the first direct flight between Vietnam and Hiroshima.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ms. Vu Chi Mai, the Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka, Japan, Mr. Yuzaki Hidehiko, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, leaders from Hiroshima International Airport, Vietjet, and local residents and tourists, all celebrating this new route. Passengers on the inaugural flight received lovely souvenirs from Vietjet and Hiroshima Airport.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yuzaki Hidehiko congratulated Vietjet: "I am very pleased to witness the launch of the Hiroshima-Hanoi route today, which realizes the announcement of this route during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to the G7 event in Hiroshima last year. Hiroshima has a close relationship with Vietnam, with many large businesses expanding operations to Vietnam and a Vietnamese community residing in the province. We hope this new route will create many opportunities for cooperation and cultural and economic exchange.”
Mr. Yasuhiro Nakamura, General Director of Hiroshima International Airport, shared: “The Hiroshima-Hanoi route by Vietjet is especially significant for Hiroshima Airport as it is the first international route to be newly launched since the pandemic. Congratulations to Vietjet, and we hope the airline will continue to establish more routes to Hiroshima, expanding connections with the Southwest region of Japan. Hiroshima Airport, along with all parties, will continue to support increasing flight frequencies as travel demand develops.”
Vietjet Deputy General Director Nguyen Duc Thinh expressed gratitude for the support from local authorities and Japanese partners, stating: “Vietjet currently operates 116 flights per week between cities in Vietnam and major destinations in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and now Hiroshima. Vietjet is committed to continuing to expand its flight network between Vietnam and Japan, providing more convenient travel opportunities at affordable costs for residents and tourists of both countries, as well as the region.”
With two round-trip flights each week on Thursdays and Sundays, residents and tourists can easily travel between Hanoi and Hiroshima, with a flight duration of approximately over four hours each way.
Hiroshima is located in the southwest of Japan and is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the mysterious Itsukushima Shrine with its Torii gate on the Seto Sea, along with many famous landmarks. Meanwhile, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a cultural, economic, and political center known worldwide for its rich cuisine and unique identity.
Residents and tourists can easily connect from Hanoi and Hiroshima to various destinations throughout Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region with Vietjet's extensive flight network.
To meet the travel demand between Vietnam and Singapore, Vietnam Airlines will operate the "super wide-body" Boeing 787 during the peak summer season.
From June to the end of July 2024, Vietnam Airlines will utilize the Boeing 787 for the Hanoi – Singapore route and vice versa, with a frequency of 07 flights per week. This will increase the passenger capacity on each flight by over 50% compared to narrow-body aircraft.
The modern Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft can carry more than 300 passengers per flight and is dubbed a "flying hotel" due to its spacious, comfortable passenger cabin. Notably, the larger windows, optimized cabin humidity, and pressure are standout features of this aircraft model.
In the Business Class, seats on the Boeing 787 can fully recline, allowing passengers to rest comfortably. Additional amenities, such as personal entertainment screens with hundreds of exciting programs, USB ports at each seat, and larger overhead bins, are features highly appreciated by passengers.
Importantly, the Boeing 787 is a fuel-efficient aircraft that reduces noise and greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing its environmental impact.
The operation of wide-body aircraft between Hanoi and Singapore underscores Vietnam Airlines' commitment to enhancing the flying experience for passengers and attracting tourists to both countries.
Previously, Vietnam Airlines partnered with Sentosa Development Corporation, a major group in Singapore, to promote tourism, market the Singapore destination, and highlight Vietnam Airlines' services, offering many attractive incentives for travelers.
To ensure the absolute safety of passengers and operations, Vietnam Airlines has proactively monitored and redirected flights between Vietnam and Europe to avoid areas that may be affected ahead of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
As a result, regular flights to Europe from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, and London will stay clear of and not fly over the affected airspace. This adjustment will extend flight times by approximately 15 minutes between Vietnam and Europe and will incur additional operational costs for the airline. However, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew as the number one principle, Vietnam Airlines will maintain this flight adjustment until the tensions have resolved.
To meet the increasing demand for travel during the upcoming April 30th and May 1st holiday, which is expected to last for five consecutive days, Vietnam Airlines will add more than 100 domestic and international flights, corresponding to over 15,000 seats. This capacity enhancement for the upcoming peak period is part of the airline's efforts to optimize the use of its existing fleet and introduce new flights during early morning and late evening hours on high-demand routes.
Accordingly, the airline will provide a total of 575,000 seats and operate 2,900 flights during the peak period from April 26 to May 2. Compared to the same period last year, the total number of domestic and international seats has increased by more than 10% and 12%, respectively.
Tourist routes such as those between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, Hue, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao will see the most significant increase in domestic flight capacity. For international routes, Vietnam Airlines is focusing on flights to Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Currently, many flights to tourist destinations during the peak period are already 70% full.
The aviation industry is currently facing a shortage of aircraft, mainly due to engine manufacturers recalling engines for inspection and repair. Additionally, the global supply chain crisis and the lack of skilled aviation technicians after Covid-19 have led to shortages of spare parts and delays in routine maintenance and engine servicing.
Moreover, airlines are confronting the challenge of rising input costs. Fuel prices, which account for about 30% of the airline's total costs, are currently above $100. The costs of aircraft leasing and maintenance services have also significantly increased.
In this context, to ensure the availability of flights to serve passengers during the peak holiday and upcoming summer vacation, Vietnam Airlines has coordinated with partners and relevant agencies to implement a series of solutions starting from the end of 2023.
Accordingly, Vietnam Airlines has proactively advanced the schedule for routine maintenance of its aircraft to ensure that resources are ready for peak operation. The airline is also rearranging flight schedules for optimized operations, increasing resources, and focusing on optimizing ground service processes to reduce turnaround times.
Notably, the airline is intensifying night and early morning flights to add more available seats, ensuring enough capacity to meet the travel needs of the public. The total number of early morning and late-night flights during the summer peak month of 2024 is expected to increase by nearly 40% compared to the same period in 2023.
Regarding its fleet, Vietnam Airlines is adding wide-body aircraft for domestic operations to alleviate supply pressures on domestic routes and is wet-leasing aircraft for the summer peak period. Additionally, the airline is working with manufacturers to expedite the delivery of Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A320NEO aircraft to timely supplement its capacity.
From June 17, 2024, Vietnam Airlines will officially launch direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Specifically, the airline will operate the Hanoi-Manila route with a frequency of three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. For the Ho Chi Minh City-Manila route, the frequency will be four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
With this new service, Vietnam Airlines will operate a total of seven flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Manila. Vietnam Airlines is the first airline in Vietnam to open a route to the capital of the Philippines. This new route is significant for the international route development strategy of the national airline of Vietnam, connecting Manila, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City—key economic centers in Southeast Asia.
The opening of the direct route to Manila will also contribute to promoting economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as within the Southeast Asian region.
After launching two routes to Shanghai and Chengdu, Vietjet continues to open a direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi'an (China), becoming the first airline to operate direct flights from Vietnam to the ancient capital of Xi'an, thereby shortening the distance and travel time between the two locations.
The Ho Chi Minh City - Xi'an (China) route will be operational starting April 29, 2024, with four round-trip flights each week.
Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi'an will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 20:05 (local time), landing at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport at 01:30 the next day (local time). Return flights from Xi'an to Ho Chi Minh City will depart on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 02:30 (local time) from Xi'an and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 06:25 (local time).
Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, was once the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and is the birthplace of the glorious Chinese civilization. It is the starting point of the legendary Silk Road, connecting trade and culture between the two continents of Asia and Europe. The ancient capital of Xi'an is famous for its rich history and contains renowned cultural values, such as the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Da Ming Palace.
Vietnam Airlines and the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) of Singapore have officially signed a memorandum of cooperation for the period of 2024-2025.
This collaboration is expected to bring exceptional benefits to travelers and contribute to the development of tourism between Vietnam and Singapore. Accordingly, Vietnam Airlines and SDC will work together to create tourism products and promotional programs to promote Sentosa as a top destination, attracting passengers flying with Vietnam Airlines to visit and enjoy the attractions of Sentosa Island, Singapore.
Additionally, both parties will coordinate in promotional programs for the Sentosa destination and the products and services of Vietnam’s national airline. Through this activity, Vietnam Airlines will showcase Sentosa as a premier destination for travelers visiting the Lion City, while SDC will amplify the image of Vietnam Airlines to its partners in Singapore.
Vietnam Airlines currently operates nearly 100 routes to 22 domestic destinations and 29 international destinations, with Singapore being a particularly important destination for the airline in the Southeast Asian region. Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights to Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with 28 flights per week and international standard service quality. For many years, Vietnam has been recognized as one of Singapore's top 10 key markets for tourism.
Vietnam Airlines has just inaugurated its direct flight route from Perth, Australia, to Ho Chi Minh City with flight VN790, carrying over 300 passengers, which departed at 12:50 AM on December 8 (local time). This is the third city in Australia that Vietnam Airlines has opened a route to, following Sydney and Melbourne.
Vietnam Airlines currently operates the Ho Chi Minh City – Perth route with a frequency of 3 flights per week. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City depart at 3:50 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while flights from Perth take off at 12:50 AM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Perth is the capital of Western Australia, one of the most important economic hubs in Australia, with approximately 300,000 Vietnamese and people of Vietnamese descent living and working there. Before the pandemic, Vietnam was the 10th largest international market for Perth, and the second largest market without a direct flight from Perth. Meanwhile, Perth is the third largest market in Australia for Vietnam.
With this new route, Vietnam Airlines now operates 23 round-trip flights per week between Vietnam and Australia, averaging 3 flights per day. The total number of routes to Australia operated by Vietnam Airlines has increased to 5, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City – Melbourne; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City – Sydney; and Ho Chi Minh City – Perth. All routes are operated with modern wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
This morning (November 16), Vietnam Airlines officially conducted its first charter flight connecting Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Hokkaido, Japan. This event marks the beginning of a promising partnership between VNA and Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Flight VN9890, which departed from Noi Bai International Airport, landed at New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido) at 7:19 AM local time, carrying a total of 270 passengers.
The welcoming ceremony at New Chitose Airport, organized by VNA and Hokkaido Prefecture, was held in a formal and warm atmosphere. The event attracted a large number of journalists from various media outlets in Japan to attend and cover the news.
The return flight, VN9891, departed from New Chitose Airport at 9:15 AM (local time) to Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh. Notably, the flight included the presence of Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki and Mr. Takebe Tsutomu, the special advisor of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance.
This flight marks an important milestone in the partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Hokkaido Prefecture. The event provides an opportunity to expand collaboration in various fields such as culture, tourism, and economy, enhancing mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and promoting sustainable development cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
Through this event, Vietnam Airlines clearly demonstrates its commitment to continue accompanying passengers and partners, providing the best travel experiences and contributing positively to the overall development of Vietnam's tourism industry.
To meet the increasing travel demand of passengers, Vietnam Airlines continues to increase the frequency on many routes to Europe, Australia, and China, thereby restoring nearly 90% of its international flight network.
Specifically, from September 23, 2023, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency of flights between Hanoi and Beijing from 3 to 4 flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Additionally, the routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Guangzhou, Shanghai are still being operated with a frequency of one flight per day.
Furthermore, from October 29, 2023, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency across many routes to Australia and Europe.
The number of flights between Hanoi and Melbourne will increase from 2 to 3 flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. At the same time, the airline will launch a new direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth starting December 7, 2023, with 3 round trips per week.
The flights to the UK will increase from 5 to 7 flights per week, departing from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; specifically, 4 flights will depart from Hanoi on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while 3 flights will depart from Ho Chi Minh City on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Moreover, the route to Germany will also increase its frequency from 6 to 7 flights per week, with flights departing from Hanoi every day of the week. The route from Ho Chi Minh City to France will increase from 3 to 4 flights per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
All of these flights are operated by the modern wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, with international service quality rated 4 stars by Skytrax. Customers can purchase tickets at ticket offices, agents, and the Vietnam Airlines website and mobile app.
Vietjet today announced the launch of a direct route connecting the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, with the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and representatives from government agencies and businesses of both countries. The announcement coincided with the Prime Minister’s participation in the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
The Hanoi-Jakarta route is Vietjet's fourth connection between Vietnam and Indonesia, with each flight taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. This new route will operate four round-trip flights per week using modern aircraft, increasing Vietjet’s total flights between Vietnam and Indonesia to 92 per week starting this December.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with senior leaders from Vietnam, congratulated Vietjet, recognizing the importance of this new route in connecting the two capitals, Hanoi and Jakarta, and its role in boosting trade and investment between the two nations. Indonesia, with a population of 280 million—the world’s fourth-largest—and the megacity of Jakarta, with over 10 million people, is an important market for Vietnam.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien spoke at the ceremony: “In the post-pandemic context, pioneering new routes like Vietjet’s are more significant than ever, helping combat supply chain disruptions, fostering sustainable cooperation not only between our two nations but also across the region. This new Hanoi-Jakarta route, announced as we celebrate 10 years of the Vietnam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, contributes to the realization of our goal of $15 billion in bilateral trade this year and will certainly open new opportunities for the two countries, our peoples, and the broader ASEAN region.”
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, extended his congratulations at the event: “Congratulations to Vietjet Air on the new route that, for the first time, connects the capitals of Indonesia and Vietnam, further enhancing aviation links between our countries. With nearly 60% of ASEAN’s population and 10% annual growth in bilateral trade, Vietnam and Indonesia will find even greater cooperation opportunities in commerce, investment, economy, and especially sustainable development, our shared goal for the future of ASEAN. I hope Vietjet flights will bring more tourists from Indonesia and Vietnam to explore each other’s remarkable destinations.”
Vietjet aims to transport one million passengers per year between Indonesia and Vietnam, contributing to the development of the strategic partnership between the two nations and serving as a convenient cultural and economic bridge for both countries and their people.
Recently, Vietnam Airlines was ranked among the top 10 international airlines operating flights to the United States in 2023 by the American review website Bounce (a global luggage storage service provider). This is a positive result, demonstrating VNA's continuous efforts and commitment to enhancing its products and service quality, especially in the U.S. market.
Bounce analyzed data from the 52 largest airlines in the world based on the total number of takeoffs in 2022. The company evaluated these airlines based on 10 criteria: on-time arrival, cancellation rate, total flights, free carry-on luggage, free domestic checked baggage, free international checked baggage, meals, in-flight entertainment, comfortable seating, route network, and several other factors to assess the airlines.
For the international ranking, Bounce scored based on on-time performance and cancellation rates using data from OAG.com, while aspects such as meals, in-flight entertainment, and staff service were recorded from Skytrax.
Based on these criteria, Vietnam Airlines ranked 10th, tied with Emirates.
In 2022 and 2023, Vietnam Airlines received numerous prestigious awards from reputable organizations in the aviation industry. The accolades VNA has achieved include "World's Leading Airline for Cultural Identity," "Asia's Leading Airline for Economy Class," and "Asia's Leading Airline Brand" from the World Travel Awards 2022; the National Brand Award 2022 from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the National Brand Council; and being listed in the Top 10 Best Brands in Vietnam by YouGov. Most recently, the airline has affirmed its position as one of the leading airlines in the region, reaching a global level by being recognized as one of the 20 best airlines in the world in 2023 by AirlineRatings.com.
From September 3, 2023, Vietnam Airlines increased its flight frequency on the Hanoi-Sydney route to three flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It also maintains the Ho Chi Minh City-Sydney route with seven flights per week, operating every day to meet demand and facilitate travel for passengers between the two countries.
Sydney is one of the most vibrant and developed cities in Australia. With its stunning landscapes, impressive architecture, and diverse culture, it attracts thousands of tourists each year. To fully explore Sydney in the most wonderful way, you should try engaging in exciting activities such as conquering the Sydney Harbour Bridge, experiencing the thrill of kayaking on the most beautiful waterways in Australia, visiting the beautiful Bondi Beach, or exploring the breathtaking Blue Mountains.
Finally, don’t miss the Sydney Opera House. This iconic structure represents modernity and is a source of pride not only for the people of Sydney but also for the entire country of Australia. With its unique architecture, it has become an unmissable destination for travelers visiting the stunning beauty of Australia.
Starting from June 15, 2023, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency on the Hanoi-Singapore route from 1 flight per day to 2 flights per day, operating every day of the week, and maintain 3 flights per day on the Ho Chi Minh City-Singapore route, also operating daily, to meet passenger demand between the two countries. All flights will be operated with Airbus A321 aircraft.
Vietnam Airlines is continuing to strengthen its international operations, including launching new routes, increasing frequency, and restoring a series of routes to serve passengers during the summer peak season. This includes the launch of new routes between Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai (India) from May 20, and the Hanoi-Melbourne (Australia) route from June 15.
The airline will also resume the Hanoi-Chengdu (China) route from June 4, the Hanoi-Luang Prabang (Laos)-Siem Reap (Cambodia) route from July 1, and increase the frequency of routes such as Da Nang-Narita (Japan), Hanoi-Fukuoka (Japan), Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City-Hong Kong (China), Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City-Siem Reap (Cambodia), and Ho Chi Minh City-Sydney/Melbourne (Australia)/Paris (France).
With the aim of continuously expanding its international route network and meeting passenger travel demands, starting from May 20, 2023, Vietnam Airlines will operate a new route between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mumbai (India). This new route offers exciting opportunities for passengers who wish to visit the city, which is considered the commercial and cultural hub of this South Asian nation.
Vietnam Airlines will operate four flights per week on the Hanoi-Mumbai route on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and three flights per week on the Ho Chi Minh City-Mumbai route on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flights will be operated by Airbus A321 aircraft.
Mumbai is the second city in India to which Vietnam Airlines has opened a route. Previously, the airline began operating direct flights connecting Vietnam and the Indian capital New Delhi in June 2022. This new route to Mumbai will play a key role in enhancing trade, cultural, and social connections between the two countries.
Vietnam Airlines will resume its cooperation with Air France on routes between the two nations. In 2017, a joint venture agreement was implemented by the two national carriers, but flights were suspended in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic.
The cooperation between the two airlines will be reinstated from March 26, 2023, strengthening the connection between their respective hubs: Nội Bài (Hanoi), Tân Sơn Nhất (Ho Chi Minh City), and Charles de Gaulle (Paris) – one of the world's largest gateways.
Nguyen Tien Hoang, Head of Vietnam Airlines' branch in France and Europe, stated: “The resumption of the joint venture agreement will provide our customers with more flight options, optimize products and services between France, Europe, and Vietnam, and contribute to the recovery momentum of the aviation industry post-Covid-19. This partnership allows Air France and Vietnam Airlines to solidify their positions in the market sustainably, thereby contributing to the economic, tourism, and cultural development between the two countries and, further, between the two continents.”
Under this agreement, Air France will operate joint venture flights on Vietnam Airlines' Hanoi–Paris route, with six weekly flights from Hanoi on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, under flight number VN019 from Hanoi to Paris and VN018 from Paris to Hanoi on the modern wide-body Airbus A350. Vietnam Airlines will operate joint venture flights on Air France's Ho Chi Minh City–Paris route, with flight number AF258 from Paris to Ho Chi Minh City and AF253 from Ho Chi Minh City to Paris on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The two airlines also collaborate to provide seamless and convenient services with a range of products catering to diverse passenger needs. As members of the global SkyTeam alliance, passengers of both airlines benefit from services such as SkyPriority, access to private lounges, and frequent flyer programs.
France has been one of Vietnam Airlines' largest and most important markets in Europe since the launch of its first direct flight to Paris in 2003. In 2019, Vietnam Airlines transported around 570,000 passengers annually between Vietnam and France. The resumption of joint venture flights has strengthened the close relationship between Vietnam Airlines and Air France, which have been partners for over 20 years, mainly in aircraft maintenance and personnel training.
On February 9, 2023, at the Vietnam-Singapore Business Forum held in Singapore, Vietnam Airlines (VNA) and Singapore Airlines exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on enhancing bilateral cooperation. The signing took place in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Singapore's Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, and senior officials from both countries during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official state visit to Singapore.
Under this MoU, based on comprehensive cooperation and leveraging each side's strengths, VNA and Singapore Airlines agreed to expand their bilateral cooperation to raise standards and provide maximum benefits for passengers traveling between Vietnam and Singapore. The commercial areas of collaboration include flexible codeshare agreements for passenger and cargo transportation, offering more choices and convenience through the combination of both airlines' networks; frequent flyer programs, ground services, engineering, flight safety management, training, and more, thereby enhancing both airlines' competitive advantages.
VNA currently operates daily flights to Singapore, with one flight from Hanoi and three flights from Ho Chi Minh City, using Airbus A321 and Airbus A350 aircraft. Singapore ranks among the top 5 largest and most important markets for VNA, with nearly 600,000 passengers transported between Vietnam and Singapore in 2019, offering 4-star service quality according to Skytrax standards.
On the afternoon of January 16, Deputy General Director Trịnh Ngọc Thành welcomed and worked with His Excellency Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam.
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities for economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Azerbaijan in the near future. Ambassador Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade emphasized that Azerbaijan highly values its relationship with Vietnam. He also expressed particular interest in Vietnam's traditions, culture, and history and wished to collaborate with Vietnam Airlines (VNA) in promoting tourism and opening direct flights between Vietnam and Azerbaijan.
In his conversation with the Ambassador, Deputy General Director Trịnh Ngọc Thành expressed his hope that the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan would continue to support VNA on its recovery path following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding VNA's operations, the Deputy General Director noted that the domestic aviation market has recovered, but the international market still faces many challenges. VNA will gradually strive over the next 1-2 years to regain profits similar to those before the pandemic. He also affirmed that VNA is always seeking new opportunities and markets for extensive and sustainable development.
Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company has announced that Vietnam Airlines tops the ranking of the 5 most reputable passenger transport companies in 2022. This is the second time Vietnam Airlines has led this list and the seventh time it has made it into the top 10 most famous brands in Vietnam, as well as the top 500 largest enterprises in the country.
The ranking is established based on scientific and objective principles. Companies are evaluated and ranked based on three main criteria: business performance results; media reputation assessed through Media Coding—coding articles about the company across influential media channels; and a survey of the target audience and stakeholders conducted in October-November 2022.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines Group (which includes Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO) is the main air transport force in Vietnam, with nearly 100 routes worldwide connecting over 20 domestic destinations and 30 international destinations. In 2022, Vietnam Airlines estimated to transport over 18 million passengers, maintaining its leading position in the domestic market. Revenue from passenger and cargo transport both increased compared to the planned figures and the same period last year. These are positive signs for the recovery of the domestic aviation market.
The airline continues to leverage its strengths with a vast flight network and a modern fleet of wide-body Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, which are the largest in Vietnam, along with numerous upgrades to products and services for passengers.
As the national airline, Vietnam Airlines proudly promotes the unique culture of the country through various publications, videos showcasing Vietnam's tourism on flights, and a diverse menu featuring local flavors from different regions across the country for domestic flights.
Additionally, the Vietnam Airlines brand continues to receive high evaluations, serving as a basis for consumers to vote for and recommend to other customers. Not only does it represent the country and Vietnamese culture as it spreads its wings around the world, but the image of Vietnam Airlines is also closely linked to the economic and social development of the nation, with activities supporting tourism and the economy, organizing donation drives for charity, and transporting healthcare workers and medical supplies free of charge during the recent pandemic.
In 2022, Vietnam Airlines received numerous awards both domestically and internationally, recognizing its relentless efforts, including “World’s Leading Airline for Cultural Identity,” “Asia’s Leading Airline for Economy Class,” and “Asia’s Leading Airline Brand” from the World Travel Awards 2022; the enterprise with products achieving National Brand status in 2022 from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the National Brand Council; and ranked in the top 10 best brands in Vietnam by YouGov.