Flying ahead to become regional carrier of choice

As the national carrier of the second most populous country in Southeast Asia, Vietnam Airlines possesses a great opportunity.

Carrying nearly 6.8 million passengers and earning revenue of $1.1 billion in 2006, the dynamic airline's new goal is to serve 11 million passengers by 2010.

The development plan will utilize the airline's strategic network of long haul flights and local and regional connections.

"We will continue to expand and modernize our fleet, adopt the latest techniques and improve ourselves to become a prestigious carrier that embodies Vietnam's national identity," said Vietnam Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nguyen Sy Hung.

Offering non-stop flights from Western Europe and Australia, Vietnam Airlines is the strategic airline for connections to Southeast Asia - with a leading frequency of 17 flights per day.

"Focused on service orientation, hard work, meticulous attention to detail and friendliness of cabin staff, Vietnam Airlines is dedicated to providing travelers a safe and pleasurable experience," Hung said.

The airline's entire network is expected to implement e-ticketing by the end of 2007, and to complete interline e-ticketing with 40 international partner carriers by mid-2008.

Rapid expansion

The "Open Sky" policy is a prevailing global trend, with ASEAN members undergoing air transport liberalization.

The Vietnam aviation market is growing about 15-20 percent annually.

"The competition on Asian routes is becoming more and more fierce. This is not only challenging all airlines operating on these routes, but also giving them new opportunities for development," Hung said.

"With the appropriate development strategy, Vietnam Airlines will be able to further grow and become a regional carrier of choice."

Vietnam Airlines currently serves 18 domestic cities and 40 international destinations, with future plans to include flights to Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Bombay, New Delhi, Manila, Jakarta, Rangoon, and far eastern Russia.

New focus

The estimated 1.5 million people of Vietnamese origin living in the US creates much untapped potential, and thus the new direct route to Los Angeles is to be inaugurated by the end of 2008.

"The launch of direct flights to the US market marks a new breakthrough in network development and brand promotion, which contributes to the improvement of the carrier's overall efficiency," Hung said.

The recent signing of a cooperation agreement with American Airlines confirms the airlines' commitment to launching direct flights to the US.

Vietnam Airlines has also invested heavily into nationally targeted programs to attract increased foreign investment, trade and tourism. Spearheading numerous domestic and international promotional campaigns is the Vietnam Meeting and Incentive Club (VMIC).

Cooperating with 20 top tourist companies, hotels and resorts, VMIC promotes the Vietnam Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) market to high value customers and has substantially contributed to the 20 percent increase in MICE clients to Vietnam in 2006.

www.meetingsvietnam.com

(Shanghai Start 09/03/2007 page1)