Vietnam Airlines celebrates 30 years of direct flights between Vietnam and Korea, welcomes 15 millionth passenger

(NADS) - On July 1 in Seoul, within the framework of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Korea, Vietnam Airlines marked an important milestone in the history of Vietnamese aviation by celebrating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the first direct flight route between Vietnam and Korea.

At the event, Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with Korean Air and four Korean travel companies. This cooperation aims to enhance two-way investment and tourism promotion, mutual support in advertising, marketing and cooperation in aviation products and services. This is an important step forward to help Vietnam Airlines not only expand its flight network but also improve service quality, meeting the increasing demands of passengers.

Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Vietnam Airlines and Korean partners. (Photo: VNA)

Three decades ago, the first flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul opened a vibrant aviation market, becoming an important bridge between Vietnam and Korea. Since then, Vietnam Airlines has continuously expanded its flight network, currently operating six direct routes including: Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City - Seoul; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City - Busan; Da Nang - Seoul and Cam Ranh - Seoul with an average frequency of 112 flights per week.

Notably, Vietnam Airlines is the first airline in Vietnam to operate modern wide-body aircraft Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 on the Korean route, bringing superior service experience to passengers. Over the past three decades, the airline has operated 65,000 flights, transporting 15 million passengers and 291,300 tons of cargo between the two countries.

Vietnam Airlines marks 30 years of direct flights between Vietnam and South Korea, welcoming its 15 millionth passenger. (Photo: VNA)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation market between Vietnam and South Korea recorded an impressive growth of 26% per year, reaching 1.3 million passengers in 2019. Despite the severe impact of the pandemic, thanks to proactive measures and market recovery, the number of passengers in 2023 has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 8.25 million passengers, equal to 85% compared to 2019. In the first 5 months of 2024, the number of passengers reached 562,000.

According to Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, affirmed: "In order for the flight route to develop further in the future, Vietnam Airlines will open new flight points, increase frequency and improve service quality at all touch points.

With impressive achievements and strong development orientation, Vietnam Airlines not only affirms its pioneering position in the Vietnamese aviation industry but also makes an important contribution to strengthening the friendship and economic, cultural and social cooperation between Vietnam and Korea.

Source: https://nhiepanhdoisong.vn/vietnam-airlines-ky-niem-30-nam-duong-bay-thang-viet-nam-han-quoc-chao-don-hanh-khach-thu-15-trieu-14794.html