Emirates has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, with the aim of strengthening connectivity and increasing travel options between Dubai and the Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The partnership was formalized on 28 October during the Vietnam - UAE Business Forum at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel.
Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Far East, emphasized the airline's commitment to expanding its presence in Vietnam since 2012, with a focus on bolstering trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Vietnam. Adnan Kazim stated that collaborating with partners like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet aligns with Emirates' strategy of improving customer connections beyond its own network.
Emirates has had a longstanding partnership with Vietnam Airlines dating back to 1994, resulting in enhanced connectivity between Dubai and multiple points in Vietnam. The agreement with VietJet aims to offer travelers cost-effective and seamless journeys to global destinations, coupled with Emirates' renowned service quality.
Vietnam Airlines’ Executive Vice President, Nguyen Chien Thang, described the MoU with Emirates as a significant milestone for the airline, expressing a desire to expand their footprint in Vietnam. VietJet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong echoed this sentiment, noting the mutual benefits the partnership will bring to both countries' tourism and business sectors.
The collaboration also aims to improve connectivity to popular destinations within VietJet's domestic and regional network through cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, while giving VietJet passengers easier access to Emirates' global network via Dubai. The agreements with Emirates mark a key step in fostering greater tourism and business links between the UAE and Vietnam, following the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the two nations aimed at enhancing trade and investment.
Emirates currently operates daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi using its Boeing 777 aircraft, facilitating seamless travel for passengers connecting between Vietnam and various destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Meanwhile, VietJet continues to expand its global presence, offering customers cost-effective fares, diverse services, and a modern fleet.
The newfound partnerships signal a broader effort to strengthen ties in the aviation industry, with potential collaborations extending to cargo and technical services. Discussions are underway to explore enhanced connectivity, increased loyalty benefits, and a more streamlined travel experience for passengers flying between Dubai and the Vietnamese gateways.
