SkyTeam signs with Vietnam Airlines

 

Vietnam Airlines has signed a “preliminary agreement” to join SkyTeam, adding to the alliance’s south-east Asian network.

SkyTeam says that the agreement “outlines Vietnam Airlines’ intentions to undertake discussions to become a part of SkyTeam during the year 2010, pending fulfillment of the alliance’s membership requirements”. This suggests there is still a way to go before any definite joining date is announced, but if successful the carrier would become the second south-east Asian airline to join SkyTeam (Korean Air being a founder member), and would add to the alliance’s network within the region.

As a former French colony Vietnam continues to have strong ties with the country, so it’s no surprise that the airline has chosen to join an alliance founded by Air France. Vietnam Airlines serves cities including Paris, Beijing, Guangzhou, Melbourne, Moscow, Seoul, Sydney and Tokyo, and would add 17 unique destinations to the SkyTeam network.

Currently, SkyTeam members China Southern and Korean Air have codeshare agreements with Vietnam Airlines, and Air France has engaged in strong bilateral cooperation with the airline.

About Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam headquartered in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines serves its 9 million annual passengers with 64 routes to 44 destinations including 28 domestic routes to 20 destinations and 36 international routes to 24 cities with more than 200 daily flights. With recent purchase orders of more than 50 aircraft mainly including A350/321s and B787-9s and future orders, the airline expects to expand its fleet to 104 and 150 aircraft by 2015 and 2020, respectively. http://www.vietnamairlines.com/

- View the press release