Vietnam Airlines (VN, Hanoi Noi Bai International) is set to enter into a joint venture with Air France (AF, Paris CDG) following the signing of a strategic partnership between the two carriers on Tuesday, October 10.
In a joint communique, the two Skyteam members said that subject to official government approval, the tie-up would kick in from November 1. Once in place, it will offer customers better access to either carriers' networks given improved flight scheduling at each of Paris CDG, Hanoi Noi Bai International, and Ho Chi Minh City.
"The agreement signed today strengthens a long-standing partnership between the two airlines," it said. "By partnering to jointly improve the connection between the French, European and Vietnamese markets, and by optimizing their products and services, Air France and Vietnam Airlines aim to strengthen their position in the Vietnamese market in a sustainable way."
Passengers on flights operated within the confines of the JV will also continue to benefit from SkyTeam's alliance services, SkyPriority, lounge access and the Flying Blue and LotuSmiles loyalty programmes to earn and use Miles on both airlines' networks.
Vietnam Airlines and Air France have an existing commercial relationship dating back to 2010 when a codeshare agreement was signed covering flights between Paris, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to reciprocal connections to destinations in Vietnam, as well as in France and Europe. The two airlines have also been working together for more than twenty years on the operational side, with partnerships in the field of aircraft maintenance and crew training.
