Vietnam Airlines reaches for the sky

Vietnam Airlines would continue its long-term development strategy in an attempt to become the second largest airline in the region by 2020, the airline's general director Pham Hong Minh told a press conference held on Dec. 23 in Hanoi.
Top priority would be given to making further investment in infrastructure, speeding up the fleet development, expanding the route network and improving service quality, Minh said.
Despite the global financial market's instability and the negative impacts of natural disasters and bad weather, the national carrier still managed to exceed its business targets set for this year.
Minh underlined accurate market estimates and good resources in preparation for the recovery of the market as important factors contributing to this year's performance.
Vietnam Airlines estimated it would make a total revenue of 36.26 trillion VND (1.77 billion USD) by the year-end, an annual increase of 47.3 percent, with pre-tax profit of over 350 billion VND (17 million USD), up 130 percent year-on-year.
The airline launched 88,000 domestic and foreign flights with over 12.3 million passengers and 166,000 tonnes of cargo, an increase from the previous year of 34 percent and 44 percent, respectively.
It became a full member of the global airline alliance SkyTeam in June that helped enhance its position in the regional and international aviation markets.
"Vietnam Airlines will continue to sharpen competitiveness and make full use of new opportunities to expand operations," Minh said.
The airline targeted to transport over 14 million passengers and carry 193,000 tonnes of cargo in 2011, an increase of 20 percent and 16 percent, respectively, against this year.
Its total sales were expected to reach 45.5 trillion VND (2.17 billion USD), up 28 percent year-on-year.
In order to meet the needs of people travelling during the up-coming Tet (lunar New Year) holiday, Vietnam Airlines said it would add 583 flights on 10 routes to its timetable, more than an additional 100,000 seats.
Vietnam Airlines on Dec. 23 also welcomed its 12 millionth passenger of the year at Noi Bai Airport, fulfilling its annual target early.
The target was announced by the carrier's deputy general director Duong Tri Thanh at a press conference held in HCM City in July.