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Vietnam Airlines reaches for the skies in 2009
The National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has set itself the target of increasing the number of passengers carried on its routes during 2009 by 7.3 percent more than last year’s figures, as well as striving to ensure a healthy financial balance sheet.
These goals were announced by the airlines’ General Director Pham Ngoc Minh at a press briefing in Hanoi on Jan. 8.
Minh warned that 2009 would be a particularly difficult year due to the aviation transportation market suffering a decline in numbers and facing fiercer competition from its rivals. However, Vietnam Airlines would work hard to avoid any financial losses.
Throughout 2009, the firm will continue its strategy of high-quality personnel training, purchasing new planes and improving the quality of services on offer.
Regarding ticket prices, Minh said his firm will offer fares based on customers’ incomes, as well as providing fares to allow low income earners to fly with Vietnam Airlines.
Last year, Vietnam Airlines faced difficulties caused by a hike in fuel prices, which lasted until the end of the third quarter. During the first half of 2008, The company posted a loss of 83 billion VND (4.8 million USD). However, it went on to record annual profits of 240 billion (14.1 million USD).
The carrier conducted 67,200 safe flights, carrying over 8.8 million passengers and gaining 53.9 percent of the market share.
Regarding instances of Vietnam Airlines’ staff found breaking the law, Minh stated that the firm would fine them severely and strive to build upon the trust of a national airline, which has stated its intention of becoming the region’s second-largest national airline within the next 8 years.
VNA
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