Aviation market picks up speed

Vietnam’s aviation market has shown signs of pick-up in the first months of the year as both domestic and foreign firms launched new air routes and increased flight frequency.

Experts attributed the airlines’ business expansion to the world’s economy and positive changes in the domestic market.

Right after Viva Macau Airlines launched a direct route from Macau to Hanoi with three flights a week in early February, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines opened services to Japan’s Osaka, Myanmar’s Yangon and Shanghai city, China.

The low-price Jetstar Asia announced that it will double the number of flights connecting Singapore and Vietnam to 14 per week in July.

Airlines that provide cargo transport services also are also determined not to miss the chance.

Cathay Pacific decided to increase cargo transport flights between Hong Kong and Hanoi from two to three a week in March, while Hong Kong Airlines plans to launch a Hong Kong-Ho Chi Minh City service in May.

The same time, Malaysian Neptune Air will open a route to Hanoi with two flights a week.

The launch of new air routes and increase of flight frequency will turn up the heat in Vietnam ’s aviation market, especially in air fare and shipping fee.

The country’s aviation market is forecast to see a growth rate of 20-25 percent this year compared to 8.4 percent last year.

Vietnamnet

Tags: Vietnam aviation, Vietnam aviation market