The first direct flights from London to the Vietnamese cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh will launch on December 9.
Vietnam Airlines has opted for Gatwick airport for its new twice weekly flights to Vietnam’s capital and largest city.
Pham Ngoc Minh, Vietnam Airlines’ CEO, said the new routes are a “breakthrough” in the airline’s European development strategy.
“This will create favourable conditions for development and cooperation between the two countries,” he said, “as well as between Vietnam and the European Community as a whole in terms of trade, investment, education and cultural exchange.”
The exact timetable has yet to be announced, although Gatwick has intimated that the schedule could be expanded up to twice daily.
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport’s CEO, said: “We are committed to developing a long-term relationship with Vietnam Airlines, helping it realise its own goals for growth.
“With Gatwick offering the first direct route to Vietnam’s two major cities, this provides a real opportunity for UK business to build and develop trading links in the South East Asian markets.”
The route will be operated using a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in a three-class configuration (economy, upper economy and business).
www.vietnamairlines.com www.gatwickairport.com