Vietnam Airlines and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a deeper commercial cooperation between both carriers. Expanding the scope of the longstanding interline partnership marks a significant step between the two carriers and reinforces their shared commitment to strengthen connectivity between Vietnam and the UAE.
The MoU was sealed on the sidelines of the Vietnam – UAE Business Forum, held at the Hilton Hotel Palm in Dubai. The MoU sets the framework to expand the current cooperation in place between both airlines. This includes enhancing connectivity on routes beyond the existing interline. The airlines will also enter exploratory discussions around potential collaborations across cargo and technical services to create seamless experiences for travellers.
Nguyen Chien Thang, Vietnam Airlines’ Executive Vice President, said: “This MoU with Emirates is a significant milestone for Vietnam Airlines. The cooperation allows us to unleash the combined power of our networks as Vietnam Airlines seeks to leverage our international presence and provide our passengers with enhanced flexibility and convenience. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings in strengthening the ties between the two airlines as well as the two countries, allowing our passengers to explore the most sought-after tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, the UAE and beyond.”
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Enhancing our partnerships with like-minded partners like Vietnam Airlines is integral to our core commercial strategy to better connect customers across points beyond our own extensive network. As our partnership develops, I am confident that we will be able to jointly offer our customers unmatched access and connectivity. Vietnam is also a market that presents tremendous opportunities to boost tourism and trade as a key hub in Southeast Asia, and Emirates supports the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to elevate its existing economic ties with Vietnam. Our decades-long cooperation with Vietnam Airlines has enabled us to enhance connectivity between Vietnam and Dubai, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to explore further elevating this partnership.”
With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and rapidly growing economy, Vietnam is increasingly attracting travellers and businesses from around the world. The deepening of this partnership reflects the broader efforts of both Vietnam Airlines and Emirates to foster greater tourism and business links.
Vietnam and the UAE established diplomatic relations on August 1, 1993. Over the past 30 years, the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE have continued to develop positively across multiple fields, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, labour, and tourism. The two countries began negotiations for the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in June 2023 and have agreed to complete negotiations soon to move toward signing the CEPA. The potential for economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE is considered substantial, as the two economies have complementary strengths.
