VietJetAir makes history with first international flight

(Ho Chi Minh City, February 10, 2013) – VietjetAir launched its latest route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok today and become the first private airline from Vietnam to enter the international market.

The first day of Lunar New Year is not just an auspicious date for Vietnam's leading low-cost carrier to open the new route but also perfect timing for residents of Vietnam and Thailand looking to celebrate the festive season overseas.

Attending a ceremony at Tan Son Nhat International Airport this morning, representatives from the Thailand General Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam’s Southern Airport Corporation cut ribbon to launch VietjetAir’s 10th route and first international service at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Ms Panpinon Suwnnapongse, General Consul of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, and leaders of Vietnam’s Southern Airport Corporation congratulated VietjetAir on launching its first international route to Thailand.

The first flight took off from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport this morning right on schedule after a short ceremony to mark this historic event. To celebrate the inaugural flight and the arrival of the Year of the Snake, all 180 passengers on board were presented with “li xi” (lucky money), a symbolic gesture expressing VietjetAir’s wish that all passengers enjoy a prosperous and healthy New Year.

As the first private airline from Vietnam to enter international airspace, this is considered by many to be a momentous occasion for the aviation market in Southeast Asia. On board it was also a very happy one. The airline’s flight crew donned both Vietnamese and Thai traditional costumes for the flights to and from Bangkok. Meanwhile, some of the crew showed off their Gangnam style dance moves mid-flight.

Upon arrival at Bangkok, the first passengers and some of VietjetAir’s executives were warmly welcomed by representatives from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Airport of Thailand and Bangkok Air Fueling Services. All passengers were all presented with Thai souvenirs by TAT and VietjetAir’s representatives in Thailand.

The daily flights, operated by the airline’s newly-acquired Airbus 320, will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 11:45am and return from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1:30pm.

Chutathip Chareonlarp, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh Office, said on the occasion of the route launch: “I would like to thank VietjetAir for allowing Thailand the honor of being the first destination for this historic, debut international flight. This will give both countries greater exposure to the people of Thailand and Vietnam and boost tourism flows, too. I hope all of the passengers will enjoy flying with one of the most vibrant and fastest growing airlines in Vietnam to one of the most exciting destinations in the world like Bangkok.””

Desmond Lin, Business Development Director of VietjetAir, said: “We are really excited to showcase Vietnam from a different perspective – we want to introduce the fun side of this amazing country. VietjetAir’s extensive domestic network now covers every major tourism destination in Vietnam and will help Ho Chi Minh City serve as a gateway for tourists looking to explore the country further"

“Besides our expansive network, we believe we have a lot to offer travelers with our fleet of modern Airbus aircraft, our fun, friendly air stewards and our amazing promotions always available at www.VietjetAir.com,” said Lin.”.

First passengers from Bangkok were presented with VietjetAir’s gifts and were ready at check-in counters for the launching flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

To support its expansion into the Land of Smiles, VieJetAir has appointed QE Tour to develop a sales distribution network and customer support system in Thailand. Customers can call the Thai call center +66 22 777 111 with all VietjetAir-related enquiries. The airline’s website is now available in Thai and English as well as Vietnamese so Thai people and foreigners can easily make an online booking.