Germany a key market for Vietnam Airlines in 2023

With the number of passengers continuing to increase as at present, Vietnam Airlines is considering increasing both frequency and expanding air routes to this potential market.

The above assessment was made by Pham Thi Nguyet, acting head of Marketing and Product Sales of Vietnam Airlines, at a recent ceremony to honor Vietnam Airlines agents who recorded the highest number of ticket sales in 2023.

Not only did it exceed the revenue plan in 2023 and record even higher figures than before the COVID-19 pandemic, by Germany also remained as one of the five most important international markets of Vietnam Airlines, according to the Vietnam Airlines representative.

In 2024, Vietnam Airlines has set a challenging goal with international passenger revenue across the network growing by 17% compared to 2023, while also continuing to invest and boost market development in Germany, whilst maintaining the highest market share between Germany and Vietnam.

Furthermore, 2024 is also a special year, marking the 20th anniversary of Vietnam Airlines opening direct flights to the Central European nation.

Cao Chinh Mien, director of Vietnam Airlines branch in Germany, said that after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially after both sides officially resumed all activities, Vietnam Airlines restarted its operations in March, 2022.

Since then, Vietnam Airlines in Germany has continuously increased its frequency and by the end of 2023 had reached and exceeded its target compared to pre-pandemic times.

There are currently a total of 12 flights per week running from Frankfurt to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, an increase of two flights per week compared to the pre pandemic period.

Vietnam Airlines' goal in the year ahead will be to focus on continuing to increase two flights per week to 14 flights per week from Frankfurt to Vietnam.

In addition to maintaining frequency, Vietnam Airlines plans to develop more products in the German market. Accordingly, it will operate flights to Munich, a new destination, starting from October 1, 2024, with a frequency of three Munich-Vietnam flights per week with the goal of increasing to four flights per week by the end of the year.

According to Mien, although the number of passengers has not seen sudden growth, with an estimate of 85% of visitors from Germany returning to the nation by 2023 compared to before the pandemic, the average revenue on routes and the number of passengers has significantly improved, making Vietnam Airlines' operations in the German market in 2023 quite effective.

Le Anh Hung, representative of a Vietnam Airlines agent from the Czech Republic, said the number of passengers has grown back to nearly the same level as before the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2023 being considered as the most successful year since when the pandemic broke out in 2019.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines' operations in the European market in general and Germany in particular are very good. In particular, he highly appreciated the support and close co-operation of Vietnam Airlines with sales agents. Thanks to overcoming common global difficulties, agents have the opportunity to sell Vietnam Airlines products and to better attract customers.

After COVID-19, the number of Vietnamese passengers stands at more than the number of international ones.

Hung predicts that in the future the number of European passengers will grow larger because these guests often plan their vacations very early and may choose Vietnam Airlines when there are special offers available.

Marina Polender, director of Aviation Relations of AFL Group and a major agent of Vietnam Airlines in Germany, said that the COVID-19 pandemic was a big shock to the aviation and tourism industry. However, after the pandemic agents quickly returned to growth and have now achieved sales equivalent to pre-pandemic times.

Sales channels of Vietnam Airlines and tours are all developing well and have the potential to continue growing in the future, she added.