National carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) officially launched its non-stop route between Ha Noi and Sydney on Wednesday, making this the airline’s third route to Australia.

The nine hours and 35 minutes flight from Ha Noi will take off at 11.55pm every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight from Sydney will depart at 3.15pm in the summer and 2.15pm in the winter every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

The carrier will operate new-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route.

Speaking at the launch of the route in Sydney, Viet Nam’s General Consul in Sydney Hoang Minh Son said the route would help further boost trade and travel between the two countries.

He noted that the Australian Government had allowed the import of fruits from Viet Nam, which should be transported by air to ensure freshness.

Kerrie Mather, management and operation director at the Sydney International Airport, emphasised that the new route would help cement the bilateral relationship and meet the increasing travel demand from Sydney to Viet Nam.

Vietnam Airlines already operates daily flights from HCM City to Sydney and Melbourne. The new route has brought the carrier’s flights to a total of 17 flights per week. — VNS