Huge benefit as Vietjet checks in
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Flights operated under a direct service between Perth and Ho Chi Minh City will have an economic benefit to the WA economy of as much as $70 million each year, according to Perth Airport.
The first VietJet flight from the Vietnam's south to Perth touched down this afternoon and was welcomed by a delegation of Australian and Vietnamese travelers and representatives.
The route will service Perth five times a week, representing an expansion for the airline which already services Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and is launching a flight to Adelaide.
The flights, aboard an A321neo aircraft, have a capacity of around 220 and take around six and a half hours.
Speaking alongside Vietjet vice president technical Nguyen Duc Thinh, Perth Airport chief operating officer Scott Woodward said the service would significantly benefit the local economy.
“Western Australia is the 14th biggest trading partner with Vietnam, and this direct service adds about 52,000 extra seats into the WA market, which is quite significant,” he said.
“Through modelling that Perth airport does, each additional [direct route] is worth about $70 million [annually] to the local economy.”
Mr Woodward said the benefits would flow through to the tertiary education and hospitality sectors, as well as benefiting the workforce and local tourism.
The direct flight announcement comes the same day as Jetstar revealed its intention to significantly expand its Perth network from 2024, with new direct flights to Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok.
“I think it shows a huge confidence from the Southeast Asian nations into Western Australia, and shows the focus within Western Australia and these nations on what an important trading hub that we have together.”
Mr Nguyen said it was fitting that direct flight was launched in the 50th anniversary of the trade relationship between Vietnam and Australia.
“I believe that with the new service we will facilitate the travel between two countries, which can open new doors… for trade, economic and cultural exchange between the two countries,” he said.
The inaugural Vietjet flight from Perth to Ho Chi Minh City will leave Perth at 9.55am tomorrow.
Mr Woodward said it was promising to see more direct connections established.
“I think it’s a really positive sign of things to come,” he said.
He confirmed there was still no deal between Perth Airport and Qantas as part of plans to consolidate the airport, but said negotiations were ongoing.