Emirates, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Ink Strategic MoUs

DALLAS — On October 28, 2024, at the UAE Business Forum, Emirates (EK) signed two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with two Vietnamese airlines: VietJet Air (VJ) and Vietnam Airlines (VN).

The new MOUs aim to provide enhanced connectivity and increase travel choices between Dubai (DXB) and Vietnam’s two largest cities, Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). 

Just ahead of Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Emirates will also add a second daily flight between DXB and SGN from January 15, 2025. 

Emirates-Vietnam Airlines

The MOU between Emirates and Vietnam Airlines is set to serve as a basis for them to expand their current cooperation and networks beyond their previous interline partnership. In addition, the new MOU has opened the possibility of loyalty benefits in the future between the two airlines. Vietnam Airlines and Emirates will also enter discussions about potential deals around cargo and technical services to further enhance a seamless experience. 

Emirates has served the Vietnamese market since 2012. Currently, the interline partnership between EK and VN has allowed EK’s passengers to access 22 domestic destinations in Vietnam and 15 regional international destinations served by Vietnam Airlines. In return, VN’s passengers can travel to 12 destinations served by Emirates. 

The Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, Nguyen Chien Thang, described the MOU as a “significant milestone” for VN, saying that it would allow Vietnam Airlines to “leverage” their “international presence and provide our passengers with enhanced flexibility and convenience.” In addition, Mr. Thang said he was “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.”

Emirates-VietJet Air

The MOU signed between Emirates and Vietnamese LCC VietJet Air will result in EK and VJ exploring joint projects to help promote travel between the UAE and Vietnam. As aforementioned, the MOU will aim to enhance connectivity to VietJet’s domestic and regional network, including, but not exclusive to, flights via SGN, HAN, and Da Nang (DAD). 

VietJet passengers will gain increased access to EK’s worldwide network via DXB on a single itinerary and one baggage policy. 

VietJet CEO, Mr Dinh Viet Phuong, expressed his optimism at the expansion, saying that the “partnership with Emirates marks the beginning of an official connection with the largest airline in the region. Through this collaboration, Vietjet passengers will enjoy cost-effective, seamless journeys to international destinations worldwide, complemented by Emirates’ top-tier service. This agreement expands Vietjet’s global presence, attracts more visitors to Vietnam, fosters sustainable growth, and enhances cultural exchange. We believe this collaboration will have a positive, lasting impact on both nations and the international aviation industry."