OREANDA-NEWS  On 13 November was announced, that five years ago Vietnam airlines launched first flights from Moscow International Airport Domodedovo on Moscow – Ha Noi and Moscow – Ho Chi Minh destinations. A new transit flight Ha Noi – Moscow – Frankfurt was launched on December 2 nd 2003, this was the next step towards creating a Domodedovo – based transfer hub between Europe and the Asia – Pacific Region.

‘Moscow International Airport Domodedovo provides high quality services. We are glad that we have such good cooperation between Moscow International Airport Domodedovo and Vietnam airlines” says Nguyen Tien Nam, Vietnam airlines Representative in Russia. 

Due to the growing popularity of the Ho Chi Minh destination the flight frequency was increased to two a week, which substantially broadened the opportunities of both tourists, wishing to enjoy national traditions and passengers travelling on to South-East Asia, Australia and China. Taking advantage of the convenient connections at Domodedovo airport became possible for passengers, arriving in Moscow.

The increase of passenger throughput by 67, 6% on this destination during the first 9 months of 2008 in comparison with a similar period of 2007 is a vivid illustration of the success of partnership between one of the most dynamically developing airports in Europe and one of the largest carriers of South-East Asia.

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Vietnam Airlines - Regional carrier of choice

Beginning with a fleet of only 5 aircraft in 1956, Vietnam Airlines has been through some dramatic changes to become what it is today. Originally known as Vietnam Civil Aviation, we began flying as an independent airline soon after nationalizing Gia Lam Airport. In the ensuing more than fifty one years, we've been through many changes.

In 1993, we underwent our final change in name to become Vietnam Airlines. In 1995 Vietnam Airlines Corporation was formed by Vietnam’s Prime Minister.

Vietnam Airlines currently serves 19 domestic cities and 40 international destinations (including code-share services), with future plans including flights to Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Bombay, New Delhi, Jakarta, Rangoon and Far Eastern Russia. At the moment, its international route network connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major world cities including Moscow, Paris, Frankfurt, Beijing, Guangzhou, Sydney, Melbourne, Seoul, Pusan, Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Manila.

Vietnam Airlines won entry to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in December 2006 and received its IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certificate in the same year. Becoming a member of IATA not only brings about commercial benefits but also strengthens the brand of Vietnam Airlines.

Focusing on service orientation, hard work, meticulous attention to detail and friendliness of cabin staff, Vietnam Airlines is dedicated to providing travelers a safe and pleasurable experience. Looking to the future, Vietnam Airlines has set itself the target of serving 11 million passengers by 2010. The airline’s development plan will leverage its strategic network of long haul flights and local and regional connections. In addition, Vietnam Airlines will continue its honorable task of contributing to the economic development of the country and further investing in national targeted programs.

President and CEO Pham Ngoc Minh reaffirmed: "We will continue to expand and modernize our fleet, adopt the latest techniques and improve ourselves to become a prestigious carrier that embodies Vietnam’s national identity."