This was stated by Vietnam Airlines’ (VNA) General Director Pham Ngoc Minh at a press conference on November 19th. General Director Minh stated that this was a gift for VNA’s loyal passangers. During the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2009, and for Tet holidays in following years, VNA will strive to increase its capacity while leaving ticket fares unchanged, added General Director Minh.

This action comes as VNA is trying to overcome a crisis caused by the sudden increase in fuel prices last summer and impacts from the global financial crisis. At the end of August, 2006, VNA had announced a loss of VND 80 billion due to the increase in fuel prices to over USD 150 per barrel of crude oil. However, its fee cut strategy and raising turnover of VND 1 trillion helped compensate for those losses, and VNA was able to overcome the crisis. VNA managed to save 25,000 tons of petrol and oil, equivalent to USD 25 million.

“At the end of 2008, VNA will reap many financial benefits,” General Director Minh stated. “VNA will share these benefits with its passengers”. During the Lunar New Year 2009, VNA will keep the ceiling price on its fares, and will even reduce ticket fees on some flights. Moreover, VNA will increase its capacity by 153 percent. For example, the capacity of the Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi and the Ho Chi Minh City – Danang routes will be doubled”.