Emirates has signed two separate memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Vietnamese operators Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, as it looks to grow its presence in the Southeast Asian nation.
With Vietnam Airlines, Emirates is looking to expand its current interlining co-operation to more routes, as well as to add frequent flyer programme benefits.
The two carriers first entered into a partnership in 1994, with a bilateral interlining network now comprising 37 points in Vietnam Airlines’ network, and 12 cities in Emirates’ network.
“The co-operation 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,” says Vietnam Airlines executive vice president Nguyen Chien Thang.
Both airlines will also explore potential partnerships in cargo and technical services, as part of the MoU.
Meanwhile, Emirates will explore “joint initiatives” with low-cost operator Vietjet to boost commercial co-operation.
“The MoU will further aim to enhance connectivity to popular destinations in VietJet’s domestic and regional network via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, among others, while offering VietJet customers increased access to Emirates’ global network via its Dubai hub on a single itinerary and one baggage policy,” says the Gulf carrier.
The two MoUs were signed on the sidelines of the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum in Dubai.
Emirates commercial chief Adnan Kazim says the partnerships are “integral to our core commercial strategy to better connect customers across points beyond our own network”
He adds: “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.”
Emirates operates one daily flight from to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Neither Vietnam Airlines nor Vietjet fly to Dubai.
