National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines announced on Dec.1 that it will launch direct air routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the UK capital city of London, from Dec. 8.

The airline will use Boeing 777 aircraft and offer four flights per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

The national carrier plans to raise the number of UK flights to seven flights per week by 2015.

According to Trinh Hong Quang, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, the launch of Vietnam-UK routes will meet travel demand between the two countries, promoting trade cooperation, investment and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Europe and the UK in particular.

The new routes will also contribute to improving the competitive ability of Vietnam Airlines, helping the firm become a major flag carrier in the region.
This event also brings great opportunity for Vietnam travel agency, expanding tourism market in Europe, especially in the UK.