An aircraft takes off at Noi Bai Airport. An addition of five international carriers will possibly open new routes or reopen flights to Viet Nam by the end of the year. — VNA/VNS Photo Bui TuongFive international carriers have registered to open new routes or reopen flights to Viet Nam by the end of the year, bringing the number of foreign airlines operating in Viet Nam to 48.

They include Air Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Jeju Air (South Korea), Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudi Arab), United Airlines (the US), Air China Cargo (China). Air China Cargo was the sole cargo carrier, according to a report on the Government website.

United Airlines will fly San Francisco-Hong Kong-HCM City seven flights a week each way while Continental Airlines has ceased operation on this route.

Jeju Air plans seven flights a week on the Seoul-HCM City route.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam, other airlines also expressed interest in opening new routes or expanding operations in Viet Nam. Singapore Silk Air plans to fly Singapore-Ha Noi. It already flies to Da Nang in central Viet Nam.

Emirates, of the United Arab Emirates, expressed interest in flying Dubai-HCM City.

Last month, United Airlines and Japanese carrier ANA were given the go-ahead to co-ordinate on price and flight networks from Viet Nam-US, via Hong Kong and Japan, the Government website reported.

Also in March, Cebu Pacific of the Philippines launched two flights a week on the Manila-Ha Noi route.

In the same month, Saudi Airlines Cargo, of Saudi Arab, debuted a cargo service linking HCM City-Middle East-Frankfurt twice a week.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam has bolstered infrastructure investment and construction, including a plan to build Long Thanh Airport in the south, improve Noi Bai Airport in Ha Noi, and refurbish Cam Ranh Airport in central Khanh Hoa Province.

The International Air Transport Association reported last year that Viet Nam would rank third among the world fastest growing markets for both passenger and cargo services. The forecast was based on a 5 per cent annual aviation growth throughout the world compared to Viet Nam's growth rate, which would hit 10 per cent by 2014.

Source: VNS