Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Chicago, July 22, 2004 -- United Airlines today announced that it will begin daily San Francisco-Ho Chi Minh City service via Hong Kong effective December 9, 2004, following completion of the application process with the government of Vietnam. The first flight will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on December 10, 2004, the third anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. “We are very excited by this historic opportunity to be the first U.S. carrier to provide direct service to Vietnam in almost 30 years. The route is an important addition to our global netSenator John McCain (R-AZ). “I applaud United's historic new service to Vietnam and hope it serves to build a better future for the American and Vietnamese people.” work and comes at the right time for travelers to and from the Asia-Pacific region,” said Glenn Tilton, United’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Vietnam holds huge potential of becoming a significant trading partner and an emerging market for U.S. goods and services,” Tilton said. “No airline is better suited to provide the service than United.” “Our relationship with Vietnam has continued to grow over the past decades through the expansion of trade relations and the full restoration and normalization of diplomacy,” said Senator John McCain (R-AZ). “I applaud United's historic new service to Vietnam and hope it serves to build a better future for the American and Vietnamese people.” The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts Vietnam's air travel industry will grow 10.5% per year for each of the next 10 years. From 1985-1999, it grew 29.5%. The country's rate of gross domestic product growth is currently keeping pace with that of China, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today.