Thirty years ago, Vietnam Airlines commenced its first regular flights to Japan, connecting two major cities: Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka. This inaugural direct route not only opened up the aviation markets of both countries but also served as an important bridge to foster economic, cultural, and social exchanges.

Today, Vietnam Airlines operates 10 routes with an average of over 122 flights weekly, linking Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang with Japan’s major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. The airline has also introduced new-generation wide-body aircraft, Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, offering a 5-star international experience infused with Vietnamese cultural nuances in every touchpoint of their service.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Sang, Deputy Minister of Transport, delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Over the past 30 years of unwavering commitment, the national carrier has operated nearly 100,000 flights and transported approximately 16 million passengers to and from the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Japan consistently ranks among the top five largest aviation markets for Vietnam and is one of the fastest-growing international markets for Vietnamese aviation, with an average annual growth rate of over 20%.

Mr. Le Hong Ha, CEO of Vietnam Airlines, addressed the ceremony.

At the anniversary event, Mr. Le Hong Ha, CEO of Vietnam Airlines, shared that the decision to launch flights to Japan 30 years ago was a strategic move. Vietnam Airlines’ flights have become a bridge, strengthening the friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan, making them even more prosperous and solid.

“To further develop our Japan routes, Vietnam Airlines will increase flight frequencies, consider opening new routes, focus on enhancing service quality, and strengthen collaboration with Japanese partners. In the near future, we plan to resume the Danang-Osaka route in July 2025 with four weekly flights. Simultaneously, we will explore increasing frequencies on the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City-Fukuoka routes and deploying wide-body aircraft on the Hanoi-Nagoya route,” emphasized Mr. Le Hong Ha.

Under the witness of the National Assembly Chairpersons and high-ranking delegates of both countries, Vietnam Airlines signed cooperation agreements with Japanese partners.

During the event, Vietnam Airlines signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vietnam Airlines, Saigon Tourist Group, and MS Tourist, as well as another MoU between Vietnam Airlines, Saigon Tourist Group, and Japan Dream Tour. These agreements aim to solidify long-term partnerships and jointly develop and expand aviation and tourism markets between Vietnam and Japan. The airline also signed MoUs with JTB and HIS, Japan’s leading companies, to promote tourism and foster sustainable tourism exchanges between the two countries.

As the National Carrier, Vietnam Airlines is committed to expanding and strengthening its cooperation with Japan. The airline has connected with various provinces and cities in both countries, exploring new regular destinations, and operating hundreds of charter flights linking localities between the two nations. Specifically, Vietnam Airlines has signed cooperation agreements with Hokkaido and Aichi prefectures to implement promotional programs and attract tourists between Japan and Vietnam.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, Vietnam and Japan have continuously developed their partnership across various fields. In 2023, the two countries elevated their relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World,’ providing a solid foundation for extensive and effective cooperation. On the international stage, Vietnam and Japan closely collaborate in significant forums such as ASEAN, APEC, and the United Nations.

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