HCMC - Vietnam Airlines has announced to slash its economy-class fares for international flights from Vietnam by up to 85% to boost sales, just weeks after the national flag carrier discounted tickets by more than 50% for domestic services.
The carrier will provide nearly 90,000 discount seats for passengers from September 30 to October 10 to fly from October 15 to December 31, 2010 and from April 1 to May 31, 2011.
The airline offers the biggest discount of up to 85% to the flights from Vietnam to destinations in Southeast Asia, with return air tickets starting from VND950,000 (US$48.7).
The second biggest cut applies to the flights to Korea and Japan, which are two important markets of Vietnam Airlines in the northeast of Asia. Two-way fares are from VND5.8 million (nearly US$298), or up to 82% off normal rates.
Vietnam Airlines announced return fares to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan from VND1.9 million (some US$97.5), down 80% from normal levels. This rate is substantially lower than a return HCMC-Hong Kong fare from US$125 on sale at United Airlines in September.
Vietnam Airlines will sell fares from VND1.92 million, down up to 74% for the flights to Indochinese airports; from VND9.55 million or a decrease of 50% for the service to Australia; and VND11.44 million (just over US$587) or down 40% for the flights to France, Germany and Russia.
Tax and surcharges are not included in the discount fares, which Vietnam Airlines will also sell at the upcoming International Travel Expo in HCMC from September 30 to October 2. These discount fares can be purchased at the carrier’s booking offices and agents nationwide.
Holders of discount tickets still enjoy full services aboard the carrier’s flights. However, these fares will not be valid for the flights during public holidays in Vietnam and the overseas destinations that Vietnam Airlines flies to as well as the summertime when demand for air travel is high.
Vietnam Airlines is selling fares from VND400,000 to VND860,000 (US$44), off by more than half for its domestic flights until October 30. The carrier said it offered more than 300,000 cheap seats from September 15 to October 30, 2010.
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