The first direct route connecting Auckland in New Zealand to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has been inaugurated by Air New Zealand, reports Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
It will initially operate seasonally, flying three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the end of October, using a Boeing 767-300.
Speaking at the launch ceremony here Sunday, the Minister of Economic Development, Education, Skills and Employment of New Zealand Steven Joice described the event as an important milestone in transport cooperation between the two countries, helping enhance connection in tourism, economics and education.
Vietnamese Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia said the route will make air travel between Vietnam and New Zealand easier, contributing to promoting bilateral cooperation, especially in trade, investment and tourism.
Air New Zealand’s chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace said the new route is part of the firm’s plan to expand operations in Southeast Asian countries and a focus in its strategy for the Pacific Rim.
The launch of the route came after Air New Zealand inaugurated new routes from Auckland to Buenos Aires (Argentina), Houston (the US), and Beijing (China) last year.
It plans to launch a direct link with Manila, the capital of the Philippines in December this year.
Ho Chi Minh City is the 30th international destination of Air New Zealand.
Tags: Air New Zealand
