Nagoya is the capital city of the Chubu region- the third biggest economic center in Japan.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines is the only air carrier that operates direct flights between Hanoi and Nagoya. This city is the 4th destination in Japan, besides Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, to which Vietnam Airlines directly operates.

According to the Vietnam Airlines’ President and CEO, Dr. Pham Ngoc Minh, “The opening of the new non-stop route Hanoi – Nagoya is a step forward in Vietnam Airlines’ plan of expanding our route network to the critical Japan market , and also represents our strategy to make Vietnam a new regional aviation hub via 2 gateways Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines hopes that the new Hanoi – Nagoya non-stop service shall provide passengers with comfort and convenience and help diversify our products, enhance our competitiveness and contribute to the promotion of investment – tourism from Chubu economic region to Hanoi thanks to the convenient flight schedule”.

Together with the development of political, diplomatic, trade and investment ties between Japan and Vietnam, the aviation market between the two countries has grown remarkably in the past years, making Japan become one of Vietnam’s most important markets. In 2007, Vietnam Airlines carried over 458,000 passengers, 5% more than in 2006. It is estimated that the airline will achieve a 7% increase in passenger volume, carried from/to Japan and Vietnam in 2008.

The new route inauguration in such difficult circumstances represents a great endeavor of Vietnam Airlines. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. To celebrate this event, Vietnam Airlines participates in 2 big festivals in Tokyo (Sep 2008) and Fukuoka (Oct 2008) to promote Vietnam as a tourist destination, as well as the country’s traditional culture.