Emirates has strengthened its ties with Vietnam by signing two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. The agreements, signed during the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum in Dubai, aim to enhance connectivity between the UAE and Vietnam and offer expanded travel options to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Strengthening Ties with Vietnam Airlines
The MoU with Vietnam Airlines builds on a long-standing relationship dating back to 1994. The two carriers aim to expand their current cooperation by enhancing connectivity and exploring the possibility of reciprocal loyalty benefits. Additional discussions are planned to explore further collaboration in cargo and technical services.
Nguyen Chien Thang, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, described the agreement as a significant milestone:
“This MoU allows us to leverage our networks and offer passengers more flexibility and convenience. It also strengthens the ties between our airlines and nations.”
The partnership enables travelers to access 22 domestic and 15 regional points in Vietnam, in addition to 12 destinations in Emirates’ global network.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to Vietnam during the signing, which was attended by officials and business leaders from both nations. Kazim highlighted the benefits of the partnerships in boosting tourism and trade between the UAE and Vietnam, a market Emirates has served since 2012. Speaking to the media, Kazim said:
“These partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet reflect our dedication to offering seamless travel options and expanding connectivity beyond our own network.”
New Partnership with VietJet
Emirates’ new MoU with VietJet will explore joint initiatives aimed at promoting tourism between the UAE and Vietnam. The agreement will also enhance connectivity to popular domestic and regional destinations via VietJet’s network while offering VietJet customers access to Emirates’ global destinations through Dubai.
VietJet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, calling it a milestone in the airline’s international expansion:
“This partnership will provide our passengers cost-effective, seamless journeys while expanding VietJet’s presence globally.”
Vietnam’s growing economy and its increasing appeal as a tourist destination were also highlighted as driving factors behind these new agreements.
The MoUs coincide with broader economic cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE, including a recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at boosting trade. In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $3.2 billion, up 43% year-on-year.
Emirates currently operates daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with plans to introduce a second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh City in January 2025. Will this agreement be of benefit to you as a traveller? Let us know in the comments below!
