Vietnam Airlines expects revenue increase of 31% this year

Vietnam Airlines stated its revenue may increase by 31% year-on-year this year as it expands its route network and fleet (Thahn Nien, 10-Jun-2010). It stated sales may increase from USD1.3 billion in 2009 to USD1.7 billion this year. The carrier also expects a 28% year-on-year rise in passenger numbers to 12 million. Vietnam Airlines plans to expand its fleet to 115 aircraft by 2015 and 165 by 2020. The carrier will have 70 aircraft by year-end. CEO, Pham Ngoc Minh, stated Vietnam Airlines is also in the process of preparing its IPO and is seeking foreign partners. He also stated the carrier is ready to launch services to the US once it receives regulatory approval (Thahn Nien, 07-Jun-2010). It has applied to launch Ho Chi Minh City-Los Angeles via Osaka service.