Vietnam Airlines (VN, Hanoi Noi Bai International) is reportedly considering ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) as its strategic partner ahead of its planned IPO in November. Previous reports out of Hanoi had pointed to the Vietnamese national carrier selling a 20% stake to a "Japanese strategic investor" during its upcoming IPO.

Valued at USD1.5 billion, Vietnam Airlines will offer a minority 5% stake up to public traders as part of government plans to slowly divest its interest from key sectors.

For its part, the Japanese carrier has been linked to several planned joint ventures throughout the region including a possible tie-up with Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International), and one with Myanmar-based operator, Asian Wings Airways (Yangon).