United Airlines sees double digit growth in five year’s service

The American carrier United Airlines will celebrate its fifth anniversary of operations in Vietnam this week since launching its first commercial flight service between HCMC and San Francisco in 2004 and with double digit growth each year.Clodelsa Ty, country manager of United Airlines in Vietnam, told a briefing in HCMC last week that the transpacific carrier enjoyed average yearly growth of 20% over the past five years.

Ty said that by offering a flight every day using Boeing 747-400 aircraft, United Airlines had served some 700,000 passengers in the past five years, contributing to foster trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

The carrier says it has always seen the Asia Pacific region as an integral part of its global success and has invested around 25% of its global resources in the region, within which, Vietnam is an important part of the carrier’s business.

Ty said the economic downturn, to some extent, had hit business performance of many carriers
and United Airlines was no exception. However, business has recovered and the carrier is witnessing seat occupancy on transpacific flights at around 80%.

Talking about competition among carriers with flights from Vietnam to the U.S., Ty said the competition was healthy as every company had its own strategy to lure guests, thus quality of service was improved. “We will continue to invest in Vietnam to provide customers the products and services they want.”

United Airlines has brought into service 180-degree fully-flat bed seats with iPod connectivity to its First and Business Class on all flights in and out of Vietnam.

The carrier says it will be celebrating its fifth year with a lucky draw for its passengers on December 11, with prizes including a round trip ticket from HCMC to San Francisco, a round trip ticket from HCMC to Hong Kong, cabin upgrades on next trips, lounge invitations and souvenirs.

“We have been here for business for five years and we want to develop in the country,” Ty said.

Tags: Vietnam aviation