by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 12:28 PM ET, Thu October 12, 2017
Thanks to a new deal reached by the Asian country's flagship airline and Air France, traveling between Vietnam and Europe is getting easier.
The strategic new partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Air France, announced earlier this week, is designed to optimize services between France, Europe, and Vietnam.
As part of the agreement, passengers traveling on Vietnam Airlines will now be able to connect to 70 European destinations, a significant increase from the existing 14.
In addition, Air France passengers who were previously limited to just three Vietnamese flight destination choices will now have 20 options, The New York Times reported.
The two airlines have a long-standing partnership, dating back two decades. But the existing cooperation was limited to such things aircraft maintenance and crew training. Code sharing was added in 2010.
The latest agreement strengthens that relationship and significantly improves offerings for travelers.
"Consolidating our alliances is one of the aims of our Trust Together strategic plan. This joint venture agreement will be a long-term source of value for our customers and for our two airlines," Franck Terner, CEO of Air France, said in a statement. "Our aim is to maintain and develop our position as European leader in this region with very strong growth potential."
The improved connections will be offered via departures from hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Hanoi-Noi Bai, and Ho Chi Minh City-Tan Son Nhat.
Vietnam Airlines currently offers daily flights between Hanoi and Paris and three flights a week between the southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City and Paris Air France offers three weekly flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Paris.
"We are the only ones who directly connect Europe to Vietnam, and as you know with this world of speed, time is obviously the essence," Terner told reporters after signing the agreement with Duong Tri Thanh, president, and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, according to the New York Times. "I truly think that what we build today is the utmost service, a seamless travel experience, and frequent connections."
[READMORE]READ MORE: Vietnam is Blooming, Booming[/READMORE]
The deal with Vietnam Airlines is just one example of Air France's efforts to strengthen its service in the Asian region. Reuters reported that Air France is also in advanced partnership talks with India's Jet Airways, in an effort to boost its long-haul network.
For his part, Thanh, of Vietnam Airlines, noted that the new agreement with Air France will help the airlines strengthen their positions in a fiercely competitive environment.
"Thanks to the new strategic partnership, our customers, including businesses and individuals, will enjoy comprehensive services and further benefits, contributing to the development and connection between two countries and two continents," Thanh said in a statement. "Cooperation with Air France also demonstrates Vietnam Airlines' commitment and determination in boosting investment in the international market."
The agreement officially begins in November.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
