From September 8 to October 31, 2014: Vietnam Airlines special promotion on Vinh - Vientiane route

(Baonghean.vn) - The Vinh - Vientiane flight route has been in operation since January 12, 2014. Despite many difficulties, Vietnam Airlines Corporation is coordinating with Nghe An province and other units to continue to effectively exploit the flight route.

In March 2014, Vietnam Airlines adjusted the flight frequency from 4 flights/week to 3/week to suit the actual market situation. Despite the active support from the Provincial People's Committee and districts, departments and agencies, the exploitation results have not yet met expectations.

Vinh Airport. Photo: SM

Vietnam Airlines has received positive support from the province, calling on many delegations of departments, agencies, districts and cities to participate in the flight route. On the part of the operating unit, Vietnam Airlines has also maintained a promotional price of 114 USD round trip with promotional prices from 30-50 seats/flight. However, the total operating efficiency of the whole market has only reached 44% of the seat utilization coefficient. The supply load is still 56%. In fact, the natural demand of the market is not enough to ensure the maintenance of flights. Therefore, 35 flights were canceled in the first 8 months of the year due to the low number of passengers, not ensuring commercial efficiency.

The above situation poses an urgent need for a long-term plan so that all parties can coordinate to improve the efficiency of exploiting the Vinh - Vientiane flight route.

- From January 12 to September 6, 2014, Vietnam Airlines has implemented a promotional price of 65 USD one way equivalent to 1,390,000 VND, round trip 114 USD equivalent to 2,430,000 VND total price.

- From September 8, 2014 to October 31, 2014: Vietnam Airlines will add a special promotional price, with ticket issuance conditions at least 5 days before the flight date: 49 USD equivalent to 1,050,000 VND one way and 90 USD equivalent to 1,920,000 VND round trip.

- Regarding flight times: From September 7, 2014, Vietnam Airlines has adjusted flight times from 8:40 departing from Vinh to 11:45 departing from Vinh, flight times from Vientiane changed from 10:40 to 13:45, creating conditions to attract more passengers connecting flights from Da Nang to Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane transiting through Vinh airport.

Passengers on the Vinh-Vientiane flight

Thus, in an effort to maintain and develop the Vinh - Vientiane international flight route according to the direction of Nghe An province to promote economic, cultural and political integration between the people of Laos and the North Central provinces, Vietnam Airlines has proactively adjusted trade policies with the aim of promoting the development of the flight route.

Vietnam Airlines also requested the People's Committee of Nghe An province and the Vinh - Vientiane flight development team to continue to encourage agencies, organizations and individuals to participate in the flight route. Closely coordinate with Vietnam Airlines Vinh branch to plan and coordinate tourist groups on flights to ensure a stable frequency of 3 flights/week with a minimum number of 30 passengers/flight; Encourage travel companies to market Laos - Thailand tourism products by air instead of by road, and prioritize replacing other tourism products....

PV