National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines signed bilateral memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with two of the world’s premier airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates within the framework of the Vietnam - United Arab Emirates (UAE) business roundtable held in Dubai with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attending, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Under the MoU with Etihad Airways, the two sides will engage in a partnership covering both passenger and cargo services, contributing to strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and the UAE. This collaboration will not only expand each airline's flight network but also explore joint efforts in frequent flyer programs, ground services, maintenance, and technical support.

With Emirates, Vietnam Airlines is set to bolster cooperation on routes connecting Vietnam and the UAE, as well as connect flights to transit destinations. This partnership will extend to cargo services, technical support, maintenance, and workforce training, ensuring that both airlines benefit from shared knowledge and resources.

These collaborations are designed to leverage each airline’s strengths, improve transport service quality, and enhance operational efficiency. They aim to boost trade between Vietnam and the UAE, opening up new growth opportunities in aviation and related industries for both countries.

Emirates and Etihad are the flagship airlines of the UAE, a federation of seven emirates with Abu Dhabi as its capital and Dubai as its largest commercial and tourism hub. Established in 1985, Emirates is headquartered in Dubai, while Etihad Airways, founded in 2003, is based in Abu Dhabi. Both airlines are renowned globally for their premium services and extensive international flight networks.

Vietnam Airlines, established in 1993, boasts a fleet of 100 aircraft and operates nearly 100 global and domestic routes, connecting to 1,150 destinations worldwide. The airline is known for its world-class services infused with Vietnamese cultural identity, and has been named a “5-Star Global Airline” by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).