Vietnam Airlines has taken a step forward in its plan to join SkyTeam by inking an agreement to enter into formal discussions with the alliance.
SkyTeam says in a statement that the agreement "outlines Vietnam Airlines' intentions to undertake exclusive discussions to become a part of SkyTeam during the year 2010, pending fulfilment of the alliance's membership requirements".
Vietnam Airlines has been progressively moving towards joining SkyTeam over the past year. Nearly a year ago SkyTeam said it was preparing to begin negotiations with the carrier and earlier this week state-run media in Vietnam said prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung had given in-principle approval for the airline to join SkyTeam next year.
"Vietnam Airlines will enhance SkyTeam's network in Southeast Asia, adding a number of new destinations throughout the region," says the alliance.
"Given its existing service to five alliance hubs and its broad international network, Vietnam Airlines is a strategic partner for the alliance."
Vietnam Airlines already has ties to several SkyTeam members, including codeshare partnerships with China Southern Airlines and Korean Air. It has also had close ties to Air France for many years.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
