Within the framework of the Vietnam–Philippines Business Forum in Manila (Philippines), Vietnam Airlines exchanged cooperation agreements with partners in the aviation, tourism, and commerce sectors under the witness of General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. These partnerships underscore Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to strengthening regional connectivity across Southeast Asia amid growing demand for travel, tourism, and trade within ASEAN.
Under the MoU with the Philippine Department of Tourism, the two parties will collaborate on destination promotion and market development initiatives between the two countries. Planned activities include joint marketing campaigns, familiarization trips for media representatives, travel agents, and tour operators, as well as the exchange of market insights to enhance bilateral tourism promotion efforts.
In addition, Vietnam Airlines will strengthen its collaboration with partners Saigontourist Group, Trip.com in destination promotion, marketing initiatives, and the development of tourism products tailored to the Vietnam–Philippines market. By leveraging each party’s strengths and customer ecosystem, the cooperation is expected to enhance market reach and further stimulate visitor flows between the two countries.
In aviation, Vietnam Airlines and Philippine Airlines are expanding their codeshare partnership to strengthen air connectivity and offer passengers greater convenience between the two countries. In addition to the existing codeshare routes between Manila and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Airlines will place its code (VN) on Philippine Airlines-operated flights between Manila and Da Nang, as well as on key routes such as Manila with Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines will place its code (PR) on Vietnam Airlines-operated flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Manila routes as well as on selected domestic Vietnam services including between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Da Nang, and between Hanoi and Da Nang.
Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The expansion of our partnership with Philippine Airlines comes at a significant moment in Vietnam–Philippines relations, as the two countries prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. By strengthening connectivity between our two countries, we aim to facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges, tourism, trade, and investment, while supporting the continued growth of the Vietnam–Philippines Strategic Partnership and the shared development goals of both nations.”
Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, stated: “Vietnam is an important and fast-growing market for Philippine Airlines. Through this expanded partnership with Vietnam Airlines, we are able to offer travelers more convenient choices while also fostering tourism growth, business opportunities, and stronger people-to-people ties across Southeast Asia.”
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most promising markets, supported by robust growth in tourism and trade. The new agreements between Vietnam Airlines and its Philippine partners are expected to stimulate two-way travel demand while expanding passenger access to a wider network of destinations and services across the region and beyond.
Since launching operations to the Philippines in 1991, Vietnam Airlines has operated more than 4,200 flights and carried over 430,000 passengers between the two countries as of April 2026. The airline currently operates 17 weekly flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Manila, as well as Hanoi with Cebu.
Through these newly exchanged and signed agreements, Vietnam Airlines continues to expand its global network of strategic partnerships, reinforcing its role as Vietnam’s national carrier in fostering economic, tourism, cultural, and people-to-people connectivity between Vietnam and ASEAN member states, while contributing to deeper regional cooperation and sustainable development.
