Air NZ to fly direct to Vietnam

Air New Zealand has today announced it’s expanding its Pacific Rim presence introducing New Zealand’s first direct service to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Air New Zealand will fly three times a week between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a seasonal basis, operating from June to October in 2016 with the potential to expand the season in subsequent years.

With a flight time of around 11 hours, the direct service will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says selecting Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam as a new international destination is in line with the airline’s Pacific Rim focus.

"Vietnam is an increasingly popular leisure destination with the number of Kiwis visiting the country up about 20 percent in the past year. It’s a holiday spot that has huge appeal and we’re confident that by offering a direct service even more Kiwis will be keen to explore it. Our entry point of Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam provides the ideal gateway for visitors to experience its diversity."

Visitors to Vietnam can also soak up the French influence, sample the regional food offerings, discover more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline and explore the country’s history. From the beauty of Halong Bay and the mountains in the north, to the ancient port city of Hoi An, beach resorts on the southeast coast and the markets on the Mekong River - it’s a holiday destination with wide appeal.

Mr Luxon says, "Air New Zealand’s new service to Vietnam is significantly more convenient, and quicker than current indirect options. It will also provide a direct link for Vietnamese travellers coming to New Zealand and we look forward to welcoming them."

Today’s announcement builds on Air New Zealand’s new direct services to Buenos Aires and Houston, both of which commence flying next month.

With the addition of services to Ho Chi Minh City, Air New Zealand will fly to 30 international destinations.

Tickets will go on sale in early 2016, subject to government and regulatory approvals.