In a significant move to deepen ties with Vietnam’s aviation sector, Emirates has signed two pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. These MoUs will enhance connectivity and bolster trade links between Dubai and Vietnam.
In a landmark step reflecting Emirates’ commitment to expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, the airline has inked strategic MoUs with two leading Vietnamese carriers: Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. The agreements, formalized at the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum on October 28, signal a new era of collaboration to strengthen tourism, improve connectivity, and support burgeoning trade links between the UAE and Vietnam.
Orhan Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Far East, delivered a keynote highlighting the airline’s commitment to deepening its presence in Vietnam, a market it has served since 2012. The airline supports trade and tourism links between the UAE and Vietnam and offers customers convenient travel options.
Held at the prestigious Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel, the forum gathered notable business leaders, ministers, and government officials from both nations. Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, was present at the event alongside Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Far East, who delivered a keynote speech underscoring the importance of Vietnam as a crucial gateway for Emirates in Southeast Asia.
Kazim expressed the airline’s strategic intent to enhance connectivity with Vietnam, a market Emirates has served since 2012. “Strengthening our partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet aligns with our commercial strategy of connecting passengers across a growing network. Vietnam, as a thriving hub in Southeast Asia, offers significant opportunities to expand tourism and trade. We are committed to not only elevating our collaboration with Vietnam Airlines but also establishing new avenues with VietJet, extending our footprint in this dynamic market.”
Expanding Horizons: Emirates and Vietnam Airlines Strengthen Partnership
The first MoU, signed with Vietnam Airlines, outlines an expanded cooperation framework to improve connectivity and create seamless passenger travel experiences. Beyond the current interline agreement, the two airlines will explore further integration of services, including reciprocal loyalty benefits for frequent flyers.
This partnership, built on the solid foundation of a bilateral interline agreement dating back to 1994, has enabled Emirates to offer travellers access to 22 domestic and 15 regional destinations within Vietnam Airlines’ network. At the same time, Vietnam Airlines passengers have enjoyed Emirates’ global reach to 12 destinations worldwide. The new MoU signals the next phase in this relationship as the two airlines explore deeper cooperation in cargo, technical services, and enhanced connectivity options.
Nguyen Chien Thang, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, emphasized the significance of the MoU. “This agreement with Emirates is a critical milestone for us, expanding the scope of our cooperation and unlocking the full potential of our combined networks. Our passengers will gain greater flexibility and convenience, accessing sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond. We look forward to building on this partnership to strengthen ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”
Emirates and VietJet: A New Strategic Partnership
Emirates and Vietnam Airlines MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Nguyen Chien Thang, Vietnam Airlines’ Executive Vice President.
The second MoU, signed with VietJet, marks the beginning of a promising partnership to promote tourism and improve commercial cooperation between the two airlines. This agreement will allow travellers to access VietJet’s domestic and regional network through major hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang while gaining seamless access to Emirates’ global destinations via Dubai.
Dinh Viet Phuong, CEO of VietJet, was optimistic about the future of this collaboration. “Our partnership with Emirates is a historic milestone for VietJet, reinforcing our international expansion efforts. Emirates is renowned for its top-tier service and global reach, and this collaboration will provide VietJet passengers with unparalleled access to international destinations. We believe this will not only attract more tourists to Vietnam but also foster sustainable growth and cultural exchange between the UAE and Vietnam.”
Driving Economic Growth and Tourism
As Vietnam’s economy rapidly evolves, the country is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for global travellers and businesses. With a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam continues to grow as a significant player in Southeast Asian tourism. Emirates’ latest partnerships with local carriers reflect the airline’s dedication to enhancing tourism and business links between the UAE and Vietnam. This strategy aligns with both governments’ broader economic goals.
In an exciting development that will further elevate bilateral relations, Vietnam and the UAE have recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This free-trade deal, Vietnam’s first with a Middle Eastern country, is expected to boost trade and investment between the two nations significantly. In the first half of 2024 alone, bilateral trade soared to over $3.2 billion, marking a 43% increase from the previous year, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Emirates’ Commitment to Vietnam’s Growth
Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong signed the Emirates and VietJet MoU.
Emirates has been a key player in Vietnam’s aviation sector, offering daily services to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft. Travelers enjoy seamless connections from Vietnam to major destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas via the airline’s Dubai hub. Additionally, to cater to the increasing demand before the Lunar New Year celebrations, Emirates will introduce a second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh City starting January 15, 2025.
This strategic expansion underscores Emirates’ confidence in Vietnam’s long-term growth prospects. By deepening its partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, Emirates is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in this rapidly growing market while enhancing global connectivity for travellers and businesses.
A New Era of Collaboration
The signing of these MoUs marks a pivotal moment in the aviation industry, signalling the beginning of an enhanced partnership between the UAE and Vietnam. With both countries committed to fostering more robust trade and tourism links, Emirates’ partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet represent a strategic step forward in realizing these ambitions.
As these agreements take effect, they will enhance travel options and contribute to sustainable economic growth, opening doors to new opportunities in the global aviation landscape.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
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