Air services talks between the USA and Vietnam ended without agreement at the end of August, leaving the prospect of direct flights between the countries off-limits for the time being.
Both sides claimed progress after the three-day round in Washington, but no details of any gains were forthcoming and no dates for new talks have been set.
The talks were the second formal ones since the two sides re-established diplomatic relations in 1995. A first round of negotiations on an air services agreement was held early in 1998 in Hanoi but those talks failed after just two days.
Optimism was expressed before the latest discussions, as a long-awaited codeshare agreement was initialled in March, and most believe a full air accord will eventually be agreed.
Both countries have called the codeshare deal a "stop-gap" representing the first step towards the securing of a full bilateral accord.
American, Delta, Northwest and United are all seeking rights to sell seats for Vietnam services through partner airlines. The March agreement states that up to three US airlines will be allowed to sell seats to Vietnam through partners.
Source: Airline Business
