Vietnam Airlines cuts fares on international routes

National carrier Vietnam Airlines announced Thursday that its new promotion campaign for summer 2010 would cut airfares by up to 85 percent on international routes.

Under the campaign, air tickets to other South East Asian countries are set at US$49 while passengers to some European countries will only have to pay $599, the airline said.

Tickets can be booked for ten days starting next Monday for flights from April 1 to June 10.

Deputy General Director Trinh Hong Quan said his company cut airfares on many routes as it wants to encourage more local people to travel and help boost the tourism industry.

Analysts said the promotion is in fact Vietnam Airlines’ response to recent airfare cuts by other carriers, including Jetstar Pacific, VivaMacau and Korean Air.

Jetstar Pacific, for instance, on Wednesday started a program offering cheaper air tickets for both domestic and international flights. Airfares on the Ho Chi Minh-Hanoi now start at VND600,000 ($31).

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