Vietnam Airlines develops its Indochina flight network.

(Baonghean) - On January 12, 2014, Vietnam Airlines will inaugurate the Vinh - Vientiane (Laos) route. This is one of the important events at the beginning of the Year of the Horse in Nghe An province, as this new route brings joy not only to the people of Nghe An, but also to businesspeople and tourists in the North Central region.

Attending the inauguration of the Vinh - Vientiane international flight route will be leaders from the Ministry of Transport, the People's Committee of Nghe An province, departments and agencies of Nghe An province, Vietnam Airlines Corporation, as well as businesses and partners… This presence demonstrates the interest of leaders at all levels in Nghe An province's first international flight route.

Female flight attendants of Vietnam Airlines

Reportedly, after a period of market research, Vietnam Airlines determined that this international route has great potential. Mr. Nguyen Thuong Hoang Hai - Director of Vietnam Airlines' Northern Region Branch, assessed: “The Vinh - Vientiane international route will attract a large number of passengers, including businesses and tourists from Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa provinces, to Laos to explore investment and business cooperation opportunities, tourism, and visiting relatives... At the same time, it will promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the provinces of Laos, the Northeast region of Thailand, and the North Central provinces of Vietnam.” With a frequency of 4 flights/week using ATR-72 aircraft, Vietnam Airlines expects to serve over 15,000 passengers in the first year of operation. In 2015, the flight frequency may be adjusted to 7 flights/week, and from 2016, Vietnam Airlines will gradually introduce Airbus A321 aircraft into operation during peak periods such as holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), and summer.

Although the construction of the international flight terminal had to be completed in a very short time, the infrastructure has been invested in quite comprehensively with modern specialized equipment and machinery. With its advantageous location, Vinh Airport is well-connected to Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang International Airports and other neighboring airports, creating a wide network of domestic civil aviation. Mr. Pham Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of Vinh Airport, said: “In the past, Vinh Airport has facilitated investment and construction of technical infrastructure to best serve the Vinh - Vientiane international flight route. Currently, the terminal has been completed and put into efficient operation, promptly and conveniently meeting the needs of passengers arriving and departing from Vinh Airport.” The launch of the Vinh - Vientiane international flight route will enhance the position of Vinh Airport. The plan to upgrade the terminal will be implemented in the near future, potentially meeting the demand for opening several new domestic routes and medium-haul international routes to Bangkok (Thailand), Cambodia, Singapore, etc.

Mr. Huynh Thanh Dien, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, affirmed: "The launch of the Vinh - Vientiane flight route is significant in elevating the relationship between Nghe An and the capital and provinces of Laos. This route provides opportunities to expand business cooperation with the Northeast region of Thailand and serves as a basis for Vietnam Airlines to open more routes to other countries in the region. Opening international routes will contribute to attracting foreign businesses to explore and promote investment in Nghe An..." With these advantages, Nghe An will have favorable conditions for socio-economic development.

Mr. Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines Corporation, stated: “The opening of the Vinh - Vientiane international route by Vietnam Airlines demonstrates the strong development of Vietnam Airlines to become a leading airline with a distinct identity in the region and globally. This is a good start in the cooperation program between Vietnam Airlines and the People's Committee of Nghe An province. To meet the demand of the Vinh - Vientiane route, Vietnam Airlines plans to introduce larger and more modern aircraft in the near future. Vietnam Airlines has now risen to become a reputable airline in the region thanks to its strengths in a modern fleet, extensive route network, and convenient connecting schedules, especially in Indochina.” Starting with irregular domestic flights, Vietnam Airlines now operates flights to 21 provinces and cities across the country and international destinations in many countries and territories.

Hoang Vinh