Asian Carrier Aims To Join Delta-Led Alliance In 2010
SkyTeam and Vietnam Airlines signed a preliminary agreement this
week, confirming the airline's first step towards full membership
into the SkyTeam alliance.
The agreement outlines Vietnam Airlines' intentions to undertake
exclusive discussions to become a part of SkyTeam during the year
2010, pending fulfillment of the alliance's membership
requirements. The signing ceremony took place in Hanoi, and was
attended by Mr. Ho Nghia Dung, Vietnam's Minister of Transport,
senior officials of the government and ministries of Vietnam, as
well as leaders of Vietnam Airlines and of SkyTeam.
"Vietnam Airlines will enhance SkyTeam's network in Southeast
Asia, adding a number of new destinations throughout the region,"
said Mr. Dominique Patry, SkyTeam Steering Committee chairman and
senior vice president of International Affairs and Alliances, Air
France. "Given its existing service to five alliance hubs(1) and
its broad international network, Vietnam Airlines is a strategic
partner for the alliance."
Vietnam Airlines operates 64 routes to 20 domestic and 24
international destinations with a young fleet of 50 modern
aircraft, serving more than 9 million passengers annually to
popular cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Melbourne, Moscow,
Paris, Seoul, Sydney and Tokyo. Vietnam Airlines will add 17 unique
destinations to the SkyTeam network, including 14 cities in
Vietnam. In 2006, Vietnam Airlines was officially accepted as a
full member of the International Air Transport Association
(IATA).
"The agreement we signed today
reaffirms Vietnam Airlines' position as a major carrier in the
Southeast Asian region and marks a step forward in our efforts to
become a strong global partner of SkyTeam," said Dr. Pham Ngoc
Minh, president and CEO of Vietnam Airlines. "Our cooperation will
help develop SkyTeam and its member airlines, generating more
benefits for our passengers and making greater contributions to the
development of Vietnam."
Helmed by Delta Air Lines, SkyTeam stands to lose two of its
largest member airlines this year -- Northwest, due to its merger
with Delta; and Continental, thanks to its proposed partnership
agreement with Star Alliance-member United Airlines.
Currently, SkyTeam members China Southern and Korean Air have
codeshare agreements with Vietnam Airlines, and Air France has
engaged in strong bilateral cooperation with the airline.