Socialist Republic of Vietnam

VIETNAM AIRLINES ON WAY OF DEVELOPMENT

Ha Noi, Oct. 20 (VNA) -- Aviation, one of Viet Nam's key economic sectors, has made great contributions to its national socio-economic development.

It has been as an important instrument to implement Viet Nam's open foreign policy, helping enhance its international economic cooperation and integration.

To accelerate the country's global integration process, the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has since 1990 used planes manufactured by Western firms, and gradually modernised its fleet. As a result, Vietnam Airlines's fleet now consists of six Boeing 767s, 12 Airbus A320 and A321, eight ATR-72s and two Folker 70s.

The corporation has retrained pilots, stewardesses and other employees to catch up with new technologies. At present, its Vietnamese crew can operate the newly purchased planes.

In particular, Vietnam Airline has paid due attention to maintain and repair planes, considering the work as key element to increase its competitive edge and save tens of millions of U.S. dollars a year.

Apart from effectively exploiting the domestic market, Vietnam Airlines has gradually tapped the international air links with 30 routes connecting to 18 countries worldwide. The quality of services has also been improved.

The corporation has been included in the world list of rated airlines with high appreciation given to its in-flight services. Particularly, its business class flight attendants have globally ranked fourth while those serving the economy class ranked seventh.

Prompt efforts have been made by Vietnam Airlines to improve its transportation capacity. The corporation has reached a contract to purchase four Boeings 777 and is to finalise another contract with French giant aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, to buy five A321 planes late this month. In another effort, Vietnam Airlines will renew its present Boeing 767 and ATR 72 leasing contracts.

By developing its fleet, enhancing international cooperation and expanding outlets, Vietnam Airlines has become a regional leading air carrier, thus effectively contributing to the national programme on industrialisation and modernisation.

Vietnam Airlines conducted more than 28,000 flights, transporting more than 2.95 million passengers in the first three quarters of this year, attaining a year-on-year rise of 15 percent.--