VOV.VN -Budget carrier Vietjet Air launched two new direct flights to Japan on July 1, connecting both Ho Chi Minh City and Danang with Tokyo.

Photo: Nhan Dan

The launching ceremony for the new flight routes coincided with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s trip to Osaka to attend the 14th G20 Summit, along with his official state visit to Japan.

The event attracted the participation of PM Phuc, a high-ranking delegation of Vietnamese officials, Toshihiro Nikai, Secretary General of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, Satsuki Katayama, Minister in charge of Regional Revitalization, and representatives from the Japanese travel industry.

Previously, Vietjet had three direct routes to Japan, including from HCM City and Hanoi to Osaka, as well as from Hanoi to Narita airport in Tokyo.

The daily return flights between HCM City and Tokyo’s Narita airport will come into operation on July 12, whilst daily return flights between Danang and Tokyo’s Narita airport will be launched on October 26.

Flights will depart from Danang at 18:10 and arrive in Tokyo at 1:00 local time. Return flights will take off from Tokyo at 2:30 local time and land in Danang at around 6:40.

Speaking at the ceremony, PM Phuc congratulated Vietjet on becoming a member of Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation.

He urged Vietjet to contribute to fostering a deep strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan. The expansion of direct air routes with new aircraft will offer a positive contribution to economic development, services, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

According to PM Phuc, the travel demand between the two countries is increasing as Japan has become the most popular destination for Vietnamese students. Likewise, Japanese enterprises are keen to expand their business operations and are seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, Deputy General Director of Vietjet Air, noted that the expansion of the firm’s flight network to Japan will help the people of both countries enjoy more options for their travel plans or business trips. 

She added that Vietjet will continue to bring new flight experiences to all customers who choose to travel on flights or opt to connect to other localities across both countries. She noted that Vietjet offers customers new fleets, friendly flight attendants, fresh food, and an all-round outstanding service.

During the ceremony, Vietjet received a certificate as member of Keidanren and became the first budget carrier in the world to join the comprehensive economic organisation.

Currently, Keidanren comprises of 1,412 representative businesses of Japan, 109 nationwide industrial associations, and 47 regional economic organisations.