DUBAI: Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, has entered a new era of connectivity with Vietnam through strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet.
This collaboration aims to offer enhanced travel options and deepen trade, tourism, and cultural ties between Dubai and the Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The MoUs were signed during the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum held yesterday at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, marking a significant step forward in strengthening UAE-Vietnam relations.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, represented the airline at the forum alongside other officials, including government leaders, ministers, and business representatives from both nations. The agreements underscore Emirates' commitment to Vietnam, a market the airline has served since 2012.
Kazim explained the strategic importance of these partnerships, saying, “Enhancing our cooperation with like-minded partners like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet is integral to our core commercial strategy to better connect customers across points beyond our own network. 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.”
Kazim further highlighted the potential for growth, noting, “Our decades-long cooperation with Vietnam Airlines has enabled us to enhance connectivity between Vietnam and Dubai, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to explore further elevating this partnership while also establishing a new strategic cooperation with VietJet.”
Emirates and Vietnam Airlines MoU
The MoU with Vietnam Airlines builds on a partnership that began in 1994, allowing passengers access to 22 domestic and 15 regional destinations within Vietnam Airlines' network, as well as connections to 12 destinations in Emirates’ global network. This MoU aims to expand connectivity beyond the current interline agreement and explore new areas, including reciprocal loyalty benefits and potential collaborations in cargo and technical services.
Nguyen Chien Thang, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, welcomed the MoU, calling it a milestone for both airlines and their passengers. “This MoU with Emirates is a significant milestone for Vietnam Airlines. The cooperation allows us to unleash the combined power of our networks as Vietnam Airlines seeks to leverage our international presence and provide our passengers with enhanced flexibility and convenience. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings,” he said.
Vietnam Airlines is the nation’s flag carrier and a member of SkyTeam Alliance. Recognised as a top regional airline, it operates nearly 100 routes to domestic and international destinations across 18 countries and has garnered numerous industry accolades.
Emirates and VietJet MoU
The MoU with VietJet marks a fresh collaboration aimed at increasing passenger flow between the UAE and Vietnam. Under the new agreement, both airlines will explore joint initiatives to enhance connectivity across VietJet’s domestic network, including popular destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, with seamless access to Emirates’ global network through Dubai.
VietJet customers will now have access to international destinations with Emirates' renowned service and a single itinerary and baggage policy.
Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong expressed optimism about the impact of this MoU. “Vietjet placed its aircraft order in Dubai in 2015, and we have previously operated in the UAE through wet leasing. Today’s 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,” Phuong said.
VietJet, known for its cost-effective, innovative approach to aviation, serves as a trailblazer in Vietnam’s aviation industry. The airline focuses on flexible fares, cost-efficiency, and high operational standards, appealing to a diverse range of customers globally.
How the MoUs benefit UAE and Vietnamese economies
Vietnam’s unique heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and fast-growing economy are drawing increased attention from international travellers and businesses. By expanding ties with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, Emirates not only supports the UAE's economic strategy but also aligns with Vietnam’s vision to boost tourism and attract investments from abroad.
These new MoUs follow the UAE-Vietnam Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) — Vietnam’s first free-trade deal with a Middle Eastern country. In the first half of 2024 alone, bilateral trade between the UAE and Vietnam surged to over $3.2 billion, a 43% increase from the previous year, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.
When will new flights begin?
To cater to rising demand, Emirates plans to increase its services with a second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh City from 15 January 2025, in time for the Lunar New Year festival. Emirates currently operates daily flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, providing convenient access between Vietnam and popular destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.