Vietnam Airlines have officially become a full member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance.
SkyTeam is increasing its focus on Asia as a whole, and by welcoming its first member in Southeast Asia, the alliance significantly strengthens its network reach in the region. Joining SkyTeam marks an important step toward Vietnam Airlines’ future growth.
Vietnam Airlines customers can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles when traveling on flights of all other SkyTeam member airlines. Customers from the other SkyTeam frequent flyer programs can achieve the same when flying Vietnam Airlines. As part of the joining ceremony, attended by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, senior government officials and representatives from SkyTeam member airlines, Vietnam Airlines unveiled its first aircraft in SkyTeam livery to commemorate its membership in the alliance. “The joining today reaffirms Vietnam Airlines’ position as a major carrier in the Southeast Asian region as well as a strategic partner of SkyTeam,” said Dr. Pham Ngoc Minh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines. “Our cooperation will help further develop SkyTeam and its member airlines, generating valuable benefits for our passengers and making greater contributions to the international economic integration of Vietnam.” “We are proud to welcome the first carrier from Southeast Asia in our midst today,” said Leo van Wijk, Chairman of the SkyTeam Governing Board. “Asia is an important and strategic growth market for SkyTeam and we well are on track to strengthen our network offering in this part of the world. Together with our current members China Southern and Korean Air, and our future member China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines brings us closer to becoming the leading alliance for Asia. By adding 20 new destinations to the SkyTeam network, the joining of Vietnam Airlines marks an important step in this direction.”
