On 5 March, Vietnam Airlines commemorated its 30th anniversary of direct flights between Vietnam and Australia, an event that coincided with the official visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-level delegation to Australia. The occasion was also marked by welcoming the airline’s 6 millionth passenger on this route.
The airline, which initiated its service to Australia in the early 90s with monthly flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney and Melbourne using Boeing 767 and Airbus A310 aircraft, now operates 23 flights per week across five routes. These include flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne, Sydney, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth, employing modern Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
Over the past three decades, Vietnam Airlines has conducted more than 12,800 flights and transported nearly 170,000 tons of goods between Vietnam and Australia, facilitating connections between the communities of the two nations and contributing to the development of their bilateral relations.
During the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the role of Vietnam Airlines in fostering the development of the aviation industry, trade, and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia. He also expressed gratitude toward Australia and its citizens for their support of Vietnam Airlines and for contributing to the trade and cultural ties between the two countries.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, Vietnam and Australia have enjoyed growing ties, with significant milestones such as the announcement of a Strategic Partnership in 2018. The two countries are currently working towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Tourism and aviation sectors have seen notable growth, with Vietnam ranking as the 11th most popular destination for Australian tourists. The Australian market demonstrated a resilient rebound in passenger traffic for Vietnam Airlines in 2023, with a 23% increase compared to 2019, representing the highest growth rate among all markets served by the airline.
Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, noted the airline’s longstanding presence in Australia and its commitment to broadening its service offerings and enhancing travel experiences between the two countries.
Additionally, in line with growing partnerships, Vietnam Airlines announced strategic cooperation with RMIT International University under the Vietnam – Australia Business Forum. The cooperation will focus on various areas including AI research, digital transformation, engineering, aviation safety, human resources, student exchange programs, and scholarships, aiming for mutual benefits for both partners and enhancing the value provided to passengers.
