National flag carrier joins major global airlines with certification.

Vietnam Airlines joins some of the world’s most reputable airlines, such as Air France, British Airways, Emirates (UAE), Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa (Germany).

“We acknowledge the considerable change and improvement they have achieved, with a new service concept rolled out in Business Class and an overhaul of cabin staff training procedures - all which will further strengthen Vietnam Airlines’ position as a four-star airline,” said Mr. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.

Mr. Duong Tri Thanh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said the fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work of all of Vietnam Airlines’ dedicated employees and an important indicator of the excellent progress it is making towards its goal of becoming one of the best-regarded airlines in Asia-Pacific.

Jetstar Pacific - Vietnam Airlines’ low-cost carrier - signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to buy ten Airbus 320ceo aircraft valued at $980 million, which was also announced at Farnborough.

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Jetstar is 70/30 joint venture between Vietnam Airlines and the Qantas Group. The deal with Airbus is part of efforts by the national flag carrier to diversify its products and allows Vietnam Airlines to participate in the global low-cost carrier network.

CEO of Jetstar Pacific, Mr. Le Hong Ha, said that the ten Airbus aircraft will be transferred to Jetstar in 2017. The deal not only marks a milestone in the company’s development but also expands its international network.

According to Mr. John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Airbus looks forward to working with Jetstar Pacific as it consolidates its position in the fast-growing Vietnamese market.

The Airbus A320ceo new generation aircraft has low operating costs, a wide cabin and modern facilities. It is expected to help Jetstar improve its services and increase its number of flights.

By the end of 2016 it will receive four other Airbus 320s before receiving the ten Airbus 320ceo aircraft in 2017. This is part of Jetstar’s five-year plan for 2016-2020. At a meeting last December between Vietnam Airlines and the Qantas Group they agreed that the long-term business strategy of Jetstar was to be a low-cost carrier.

Jetstar Pacific currently operates a fleet of 12 leased A320 aircraft, flying to 28 domestic and regional destinations.

It was the first low-cost airline in Vietnam and now connects most cities and tourist destinations in the country and also flies from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore and Bangkok and from Hanoi to Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines operates 92 routes to 20 domestic and 29 international destinations with an average of 400 daily flights. It operates a young fleet of 87 modern aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Airbus A350-900 XWB, the Airbus A330, the Airbus A321 and the Boeing 777. It became an official member of the SkyTeam Alliance on June 10, 2010.

There are four airlines operating in Vietnam - Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, SkyViet (Vasco), and Vietjet Air, of which Vietnam Airlines still dominates the market.