VIETNAM AIRLINES SOARS ON FIRST DIRECT FLIGHT TO THE UNITED STATES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Vietnam Airlines, the fastest-growing carrier in Southeast Asia has announced the success of the first direct flight to the United States, fulfilling a key development milestone of the Vietnamese flag carrier.

The inaugural flight, No.VN98, from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco, carried passengers on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced-technology airplanes of the Vietnam Airlines fleet.

According to a statement, this historic flight signifies an important development of Vietnam’s aviation and Vietnam Airlines as the country’s first airline to conduct regular commercial direct flights to the US.

It recognises the 20-year-effort of Vietnam Airlines since the establishment of its representative office in San Francisco to lay the foundation for direct route between the two countries.

“Vietnam Airlines was so proud of being the country’s first airline to conduct the charter flight to the US more than a year ago to welcome compatriots back to the homeland. Today, we are pleased to announce the success of the inaugural commercial direct flight to the US, marking a new milestone for Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam’s aviation,” said President & CEO of Vietnam Airlines, Le Hong Ha.

Meanwhile, Director of San Francisco Airport, Ivar C. Satero said: “We are honoured to be the first airport in the US to offer non-stop regular flights to Vietnam. We are proud to offer a world-class experience with seamless access throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and grateful to Vietnam Airlines for making San Francisco their first US destination.”

Initially, Vietnam Airlines will conduct two flights per week from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco by Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, the two most modern wide-body aircrafts.

The airline aims to increase to seven flights per week after the Covid-19 pandemic is under control and plans to open a new route to connect Los Angeles to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Airlines - a member of SkyTeam Alliance - is the flag carrier of Vietnam and the major carrier in the South East Asia, operating 95 routes to 22 domestic and 29 international destinations with an average of 400 flights per day.

-- BERNAMA