Japan’s ANA Group and Vietnam Airlines have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the ANA Group to acquire
a stake in Vietnam Airlines of approximately 8.8%, worth 2,431
billion Vietnamese Dong (US$108 million).
The partnership will
also provide for ANA and Vietnam Airlines to take maximum
advantage of the increasing demand for air services in the Asian
market and, in particular, in the Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam
group of countries which has one of the highest growth potentials
in the region.
Shinya Katanozaka,
CEO of ANA Holdings, said, “Asia is a key growth market for
ANA Group as we expand our international footprint and Vietnam
Airlines makes the ideal partner for us because we share the same
high standards and approach to customer service and efficiency. We
look forward to completing this strategic investment and launching
our partnership so we can serve our passengers even better.”
In
addition, the ANA Group will dispatch one member to the board of
Vietnam Airlines and will also provide Vietnam Airlines with operational and management knowhow to help support service
quality.
Vietnam Airlines currently operates 66 flights weekly
on ten routes between Japan and Vietnam. ANA operates fourteen
flights weekly on two routes.
Pham Viet Thanh, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines said, “We appreciate
the cooperation with ANA Group to participate in the administration and long-term development of the Vietnam Airlines
Corporation. ANA is one of the leading airlines in the region and in the world. The cooperation with ANA Group will help Vietnam
Airlines acquire new management technologies, expand the market,
improve service quality, increase competitiveness on international
markets. I strongly believe this comprehensive cooperation will
enhance the value, brand and image of Vietnam Airlines.”
Implementation of the partnership
is subject to necessary approvals being obtained from Vietnamese
government authorities and the conclusion of definitive agreements
concerning the business and capital partnership between the ANA
Group and Vietnam Airlines.
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