Vietnam Airlines is now an official member of Skyteam, after an official joining ceremony today (June 10) in Hanoi.
The airline is the first Southeast Asian member to join the alliance, adding 20 new destinations to the Skyteam network.
Pham NgocMinh, president and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said: "The joining today reaffirms Vietnam Airlines' position as a major carrier in the Southeast Asian region as well as a strategic partner of SkyTeam.
"Our cooperation will helpfurther develop SkyTeam and its member airlines, generating valuable benefits for our passengers and making greater contributions to the international economic integration of Vietnam."
Leo van Wijk, Chairman of the Skyteam Governing Board, said: "Asia is an important and strategic growth market for Skyteam and we are on track to strengthen our network offering in this part of the world.
"Together with our current members China Southern and Korean Air and future member China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines brings us closer to becoming the leading alliance for Asia."
TAROM is also due to join Skyteam this month, as an associate member sponsored by Air France. The Romanian airline was first announced as a future SkyTeam member in 2005.
Air France will represent TAROM in all decision-making with other member airlines. Once it joinsSkyTeam, TAROM will start offering the Air France loyalty programme Flying Blue, replacing its own Smart Miles frequent flyer scheme.
www.vietnamairlines.com www.tarom.ro/en www.skyteam.com