Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines establish first Vietnam-China airline joint venture

The partnership aims to enhance air connectivity between the two countries, offering passengers a broader flight network and more seamless travel experiences. 

Under the agreement, the two airlines will coordinate flight schedules, jointly operate selected routes, and introduce interline through check-in services. This will allow passengers to receive boarding passes for up to three connecting flights at their initial departure point.

Frequent flyer members of both airlines will also enjoy shared benefits, including priority check-in, extra baggage allowances, and priority boarding.

"This joint venture with China Southern Airlines marks a new chapter in our partnership," said Nguyen Quang Trung, head of planning and development at Vietnam Airlines. 

"We aim to deliver greater convenience and added value to our passengers while contributing to the socio-economic development of both countries."

Zhang Dongsheng, deputy director general of China Southern's Commercial Steering Committee, called the partnership a strategic move that aligns with the airline's broader international expansion goals.

Vietnam Airlines and China Southern Airlines have collaborated since 2010 through codeshare agreements. 

In 2022, they signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement that expanded their partnership to include technical, commercial, service, and ground-handling areas. Both airlines have also agreed to jointly develop their respective hub airports to improve operational efficiency and passenger service.

Currently, China Southern operates flights from cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Wuhan, and Shanghai to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang, with up to 111 flights per week. 

Vietnam Airlines offers over 50 weekly flights to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, Nanjing, and Wuhan.

Starting August 1, passengers traveling between the two countries with either airline will benefit from integrated services such as shared mileage programs, through check-in across multiple segments, and reciprocal frequent flyer perks.

The joint venture is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, further deepening regional ties at a time of expanding cooperation between Vietnam and China.