Japan Airlines and Vietjet launch comprehensive partnership

The two airlines held a series of discussions on expanding their networks in response to the growing demand for travel in Vietnam’s neighbouring countries as well as for air travel between Japan and Vietnamese destinations.

As a first step, JAL and Vietjet have agreed to start code-share cooperation for all flight services between Japan and Vietnam and Vietnam and other Asian countries, as well as the two companies’ domestic flights.

These significant add-ons are expected to create more customer convenience. JAL and Vietjet will further explore opportunities to develop the partnership in various areas, including a frequent-flier partnership, aircraft operations and maintenance, as well as ground handling services and training.

According to Tadashi Fujita, JAL executive vice president, the launch of this partnership with Vietjet represents a significant milestone for the two airlines to provide customers better access to destinations between Japan and Vietnam and beyond.

“We believe it will generate more passenger and cargo traffic between the two countries and open up commercial opportunities for the two airlines’ international networks,” said Fujita.

Luu Duc Khanh, managing director of Vietjet, said that through the agreement signed with JAL, Vietjet once again affirms its commitment to innovation, leading market trends, and offering new services to complement global integration and international standards.

“Japan remains our key market even as we expand the airline’s flight network in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership between Vietjet and JAL will diversify our air transportation products, while stimulating the movement of people between the two countries as well as developing the two airlines’ relationship in line with our international commercial operation capabilities in the coming time,” Khanh said.

Leaders of the two airlines exchange souvenirs after the signing ceremony

In line with Vietnam’s rapid economic growth, the demand for air travel to and from Japan has been growing steadily. JAL is already operating daily non-stop services between Tokyo’s Narita Airport and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietjet, the first privately-owned airline in Vietnam, started flight services in 2011 and now operates a network all over Vietnam and Asia. Vietjet offers convenient and friendly services with reasonable fares and succeeded in creating new demand in Vietnam. Yet as a new-age carrier, it offers a higher-class service called “SkyBoss,” which has been very well received among passengers expecting quality service.

Established in 2007, Vietjet is now leading the domestic aviation market in Vietnam and is actively expanding its international flight network.

After five years of operations, the airline has flown nearly 40 million passengers, and has been awarded 32 domestic and nine international accolades, including being named one of the Top 500 Brands in Asia 2016, Vietnam’s Favourite Airline, and Best Asian Low Cost Carrier at the TTG Travel Awards 2015.

Currently, Vietjet operates a fleet of 48 aircrafts, including A320 and A321 models, and operates over 350 flights per day. It currently operates 67 routes in Vietnam and across the region to international destinations, such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar.

JAL was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the Oneworld® Alliance, the airline now reaches more than 344 airports in 56 countries and regions, together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of more than 227 aircrafts.