Emirates inks strategic deals with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet

Emirates has taken a significant step to strengthen air connectivity and expand travel options between Dubai and Vietnam by signing two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet.

These agreements were formalised during the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum.

Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ SVP Commercial Operations, Far East, underscored the airline’s dedication to reinforcing its foothold in Vietnam — a market it has been serving since 2012.

In his keynote address, Abbas emphasised Emirates’ commitment to facilitating trade and tourism links between the UAE and Vietnam and providing travellers with convenient flight options.

Kazim highlighted the significance of the Vietnamese market for Emirates, stating, “Vietnam is a market that presents tremendous opportunities to boost tourism and trade as a key hub in Southeast Asia, and Emirates supports the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to elevate its existing economic ties with Vietnam. Our decades-long cooperation with Vietnam Airlines has enhanced connectivity between Vietnam and Dubai.”

Expanding Emirates’ partnership with Vietnam Airlines

The MoU with Vietnam Airlines builds on a collaboration that dates back to 1994 when both airlines established a bilateral interline agreement.

This longstanding relationship has connected travellers to 22 domestic and 15 regional destinations within Vietnam Airlines’ network, along with 12 destinations within Emirates’ expansive global network.

Under the new MoU, the airlines will explore opportunities to expand connectivity beyond their current interline agreement and potentially integrate reciprocal loyalty benefits. Discussions are also set around collaborations in cargo and technical services to improve the travel experience further.

Nguyen Chien Thang, EVP of Vietnam Airlines, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This MoU with Emirates is a significant milestone for Vietnam Airlines.

“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings in strengthening the ties between the two airlines as well as the two countries, allowing our passengers to explore the most sought-after tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, the UAE, and beyond.”

New collaboration with VietJet

In addition to its partnership with Vietnam Airlines, Emirates signed an MoU with VietJet, marking a new phase in the collaboration between the two airlines. This partnership promotes increased visitor traffic and strengthens commercial ties between the UAE and Vietnam.

VietJet passengers will gain access to Emirates’ extensive global network via Dubai, while Emirates customers will have expanded connectivity within Vietnam through VietJet’s domestic and regional routes, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang.

Dinh Viet Phuong, CEO of VietJet, remarked, “The partnership with Emirates marks the beginning of an official connection with the largest airline in the region. Through this collaboration, VietJet passengers will enjoy cost-effective, seamless journeys to international destinations worldwide, complemented by Emirates’ top-tier service. This agreement expands VietJet’s global presence, attracts more visitors to Vietnam, fosters sustainable growth, and enhances cultural exchange.”

Emirates expands Vietnam services

Emirates currently operates daily flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, utilising its Boeing 777 to offer travellers a seamless connection from Vietnam to popular destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The airline is also set to add a second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh City starting January 15, 2025, further enhancing travel options for passengers between the UAE and Vietnam.