On 10 October 2017, Air France and Vietnam Airlines announced the signing of a strategic partnership allowing the two airlines to optimize their services between France, Europe and Vietnam and to strengthen their position in a buoyant but highly competitive market.

Starting 1 November 2017, date of the launch of this new joint venture, Air France and Vietnam Airlines will jointly develop additional benefits for their customers:

• Improved connections thanks to adapted flight schedules on departure from the hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Hanoi-Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City-Tan Son Nhat, offering a wider choice of travel options;
• The continued improvement of services offered to customers, whether they are travelling on Air France, Vietnam Airlines or a combined offer.

Passengers on flights operated within the framework of this new joint venture will continue to benefit from the SkyTeam alliance services, such as SkyPriority, lounge access and the Flying Blue and LotuSmiles loyalty programmes to earn and use Miles on both airlines’ networks.

The agreement signed today strengthens a long-standing partnership between the two airlines. By partnering to jointly improve the connection between the French, European and Vietnamese markets, and by optimizing their products and services, Air France and Vietnam Airlines aim to strengthen their position in the Vietnamese market in a sustainable way.

Since 2010, the two airlines have been operating code-share flights between Paris, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering reciprocal connections to destinations in Vietnam, as well as in France and Europe. With this partnership, Air France and Vietnam Airlines today carry more than 400,000 passengers every year.

The two airlines have also been working together for more than 20 years on the operational side, with partnerships in the field of aircraft maintenance and crew training.

“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. Our aim is to maintain and develop our position as European leader in this region with very strong growth potential”, said Franck Terner, CEO of Air France.

“Vietnam Airlines and Air France started code-share cooperation in 2010, when Vietnam Airlines joined SkyTeam Global Alliance. After the completion of 4-star service program, Vietnam Airlines expects to take the current joint venture with Air France to a next level in order to reach our full potential in France and Europe.

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.

Cooperation with Air France also demonstrates Vietnam Airlines’ commitment and determination in boosting investment in the international market, especially the French and European markets through the key route between Vietnam and France” said Mr. Duong Tri Thanh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.