HEAVYWEIGHT STATUS THE GOAL FOR VIETNAM AIRLINES

Vietnam Airlines is to spend US$2 billion across the next decade on upgrading its fleet. The flag carrier says it wants to become a heavyweight competitor in Southeast Asia. A two-phase plan foresees the fleet expanded to 30 planes by 2005 and to over 40 aircraft by 2010. Vietnam Airlines was interested in complete ownership, and wished to increase the number of wholly owned planes from the current six to 18 by 2005 and 34 by 2010, they added. The number of aircraft was expected to reach 26 by the end of this year with two additional Airbus 320s and a Boeing 767 entering service by November.

FLIGHTS TO US VIA TAIWAN IMMINENT

Vietnam Airlines and Taiwan’s China Airlines started operating code-share flights to and from the United States via Taipei from 1 May. The flagship airline announced last week that the two carriers had received permission from the US Department of Transport in March for 20 round-trip flights a week linking Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The corporation said the code share envisioned with China Airlines would involve Vietnam Airlines flying to Taipei and passengers switching to Taiwanese planes for the flight on to the US. Vietnamese and US carriers are currently not allowed direct connections as Washington and Hanoi have yet to reach a full civil aviation accord despite several rounds of talks. According to Vietnam Airlines, around 20,000 passengers fly between Vietnam and US each year.

DANANG PLANS NEW RESORTS

A feasibility study for a US$15 million resort project to be built in Danang was completed last week. The American Indochina Resort Project is a joint venture between the local Danang Tourism Co. (Danatour) and three US companies. Application for the project licence could be submitted to the government next month. Meanwhile, the US$200 million Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) Resort Project, which was given the go ahead by the Vietnamese government last July, has yet to begin construction. The 123ha Ngu Hanh Son Resort project includes a five-star hotel with 400 rooms, a three-start hotel with 300 rooms, a 18-hole golf course and restaurants. Danatour, are also the local partner of this project in conjunction with an Australian-based developer.

Entry visas issued at Danang Airport

International tourists arriving at Danang Airport can now have visas issued on arrival. The new move will benefit visitors arriving on direct flights from Hong Kong and Bangkok. In order to have a visa issued on arrival at Danang Airport however travel arrangements must be booked in advance and visa authorisation obtained from the Department of Immigration through the Vietnamese tour operator.

New international terminal open at Phnom Penh Airport

The Cambodian Airport Management Services, (CAMS), just announced that the new international terminal at Pochentong International Airport, Phnom Penh, will be ready by June 15, 2001. This new modern terminal will boast 3 aerobridges, a new bar, a new boarding lounge as well as a new VIP and business lounge. Also for 2002, CAMS will open the remaining part of the new terminal including a new jetway, boarding lounge, check-in counters and other facilities.