Direct Hanoi-KL flight
THE reintroduction of Vietnam Airlines’ direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flight is hoped to provide an uninterrupted link to attractions in Northern Vietnam, like Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.
“Each city has its own appeal. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi serves as the country’s administrative, commercial, economic and political hub,” said Vietnam Airlines Company Limited general manager Mai Quoc Tuan.
“Halong Bay is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, and Sapa for its terraced rice fields and diverse minority groups residing there.
“Though Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Southern Vietnam is a more popular tourist destination, both Hanoi and HCMC have their own charm.”
Vietnam Airlines originally launched direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flights in August 2003, but the service was suspended in 2007.
In June 2011, Vietnam Airlines commenced their direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flights with seven flights per week aboard an Airbus A321 aircraft.
“Restoring this route will help develop the Vietnam Airlines network to Malaysia (and South-East Asia), and contribute to the cultural, economic and tourism exchanges between the two countries,” said Mai.
“It also serves as an option for travellers as Vietnam Airlines offers full-flight service similar to that of Malaysia Airlines, and Hanoi can be a stopover point for those travelling to East Asia or Europe.”
Mai said that travel to Vietnam is booming, with more than 80% of airplane seats booked during the summer period from June till August, and a high demand during the year-end holiday season.
“We are looking at a 10% increase in travellers with the direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flight,” he said.
Mai assured that those from the Muslim community would be able to travel “anywhere in Vietnam” and have their needs taken care of from the moment they board their flight.
“We also hope to promote travel from Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur with shopping and golf tours,” he said.
“Malaysia’s warm weather and reasonable exchange rate are among the factors that would appeal to the Vietnamese.”
For details, visit www vietnamairlines.com
~News courtesy of The Star~
