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Vietnam Airlines adds fifth weekly Gatwick service

23 Apr 2013 by GrahamSmith

Vietnam Airlines will add a fifth weekly service from Gatwick Airport during the summer season, it was announced today.

The carrier will increase its Ho Chi Minh City route from two to three flights a week and will continue its twice weekly service to Hanoi.

UK arrivals into Vietnam have increased by 40 per cent year-on-year since nonstop services were launched.

Vietnam Airlines spokesperson Matt Wood said: “We are delighted that Vietnam Airlines has decided to expand its services from London Gatwick during the summer months, ensuring that both business and leisure passengers now have even more choice of when to fly to this fantastic destination.

“Air links to high-growth markets such as Vietnam are essential in ensuring that the UK can compete and make the most of the significant trade opportunities available with key emerging markets.”

In low season – April/May and September/October – the airline’s direct services to Vietnam will include a stopover in Frankfurt. Outside of low season, all flights will be nonstop.

The carrier is planning to increase frequency to seven times-weekly by 2015.

The announcement comes just over a year after Vietnam Airlines launched the first direct, non-stop flights between London and Hanoi, and London and Ho Chi Minh City (see online news, December 2011).

The UK and Vietnam are this year celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Throughout 2013, a programme of cultural, educational and innovation exchanges and events will mark the milestone year.

Relations have grown rapidly since the countries signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2010 to help boost bilateral trade, economic ties and investment.

Vietnam Airlines’ David Cook said: “We are very encouraged by the positive results so far, and are now trialling additional frequency in the summer months to gauge market response, with a view to possible future expansion into 2014.”

All flights are being served by B777-200ERs configured with 25 business class seats, 54 seats in Deluxe economy (premium economy) and 228 economy seats.

For more information, visit vietnamairlines.com.

Report by Graham Smith

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