In a move that will benefit more passengers, Vietnam Airlines and Air France, on Tuesday in Ha Noi, inked a joint venture deal which will start from November 1.

The deal concerns air routes between Viet Nam, France and Europe.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, General Director of Vietnam Airlines Duong Tri Thanh said the historic agreement would help deepen the comprehensive co-operative ties between the two airlines.

It would not only make it easier for air travel between the two countries but would also promote trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between Viet Nam, France and Europe, bringing huge benefits for people and businesses, he added.

The agreement also demonstrated the commitment and determination of Vietnam Airlines to increase investment in the global arena, especially the French and European markets via the key route between Viet Nam and France, he noted.

Director General of Air France Franck Terner said the joint venture deal was one of the strategic development plans of Air France, namely “Trust Together”.

This agreement would bring long-term benefits to the two airlines as well as their customers, he said, and added that the ultimate goal of Air France was to maintain and develop its position in the promising region.

Over the past 20 years, Vietnam Airlines and Air France have established sustainable co-operative relations in various fields.

In 2010, the two signed a code share deal for air routes between Paris and Ha Noi and HCM City as well as provided mutual support in maintaining airplanes and human resources training.

France has been one of the most important markets of Vietnam Airlines in Europe since it launched the first direct route to Paris in 2003. The two airlines carry more than 400,000 passengers every year. — VNS