A 30-year milestone: Vietnam Airlines recognized with prestigious award from the Prime Minister

Vietnam Airlines Group was honoured to receive the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit, marking a significant milestone today (June 1st) as it celebrated its 30th anniversary in Hanoi.

This prestigious award underscores three decades of relentless innovation, resilience, and growth. It is also a profound tribute to generations of Vietnam Airlines leaders and employees whose dedication and commitment have shaped the airline into a trusted national brand with a strong global presence.

Established in 1995, Vietnam Airlines traces its roots to the heroic 919 Transport Aviation Regiment. From the beginning, the airline has embodied more than just commercial success—it has stood as a symbol of national identity, cultural pride, and Vietnam’s aspiration to integrate with the global community.

As Vietnam’s national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines has played a vital role in advancing the country’s political, defence, social, and diplomatic missions, responding swiftly to emergencies and supporting significant national efforts. Over the past 30 years, the airline has stood by the nation in its most critical moments, from evacuation operations in Libya (2011, 2014) to rescue missions for Vietnamese citizens affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and hundreds of humanitarian flights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam Airlines demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout the global aviation crisis brought on by the pandemic. With strong guidance and support from the Party, State, Government, and National Assembly, the airline steadily recovered and emerged stronger.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated, Vietnam Airlines's humanitarian efforts have projected the image of Vietnam as a compassionate, responsible, and deeply integrated member of the global community.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, speaking at the ceremony, stated: “Vietnam Airlines is the leading force in Vietnam’s aviation sector, enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness and international reputation. Its humanitarian efforts have projected the image of Vietnam as a compassionate, responsible, and deeply integrated member of the global community."

The Prime Minister also called on Vietnam Airlines to continue its pioneering role by accelerating digital transformation, reimagining its business model, investing in sustainable and environmentally responsible growth, and aligning its development strategy with the nation’s green growth objectives.

From humble beginnings—with a small fleet and limited infrastructure—Vietnam Airlines has evolved into a 4-star international airline, with its sights set on achieving 5-star certification. Over 30 years, the airline has served 350 million passengers, transported 4.7 million tons of cargo, and operated nearly 100 routes to 53 domestic and international destinations. Through its membership in the SkyTeam alliance, Vietnam Airlines connects to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.

Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines Group, expressed his pride, saying that each VNA flight is more than a journey - it connects cultures, builds trust, and carries the nation’s aspirations.

A defining moment came in 2015 with the airline’s equitization, ushering in a phase of growth aligned with global best practices. This transition attracted strategic investors, improved corporate governance, and boosted operational efficiency. From 1995 to 2024, the airline and its subsidiaries contributed approximately VND 68 trillion to the state budget, three times the value of the State’s original investment. In 2024, consolidated revenue reached VND 113 trillion, with a record post-tax profit of VND 7.96 trillion. The growth continued in Q1 2025, with pre-tax profits nearing VND 3.63 trillion.

Vietnam Airlines has fast-tracked its digital transformation in recent years to improve customer experience and competitiveness. The airline has earned global recognition, including a 4-star rating from Skytrax, a 5-star Airline rating from APEX, and numerous prestigious honors such as the World Travel Awards, Vietnam Tourism Awards (Top 10 Transport and Tourism Enterprises), and accolades including “Asia’s Leading Premium Economy,” “Most Innovative Airline in E-commerce,” and “Best Frequent Flyer Program,” among others.

Vietnam Airlines General Director Le Hong Ha speaks at the event.

Beyond aviation, Vietnam Airlines has significantly promoted Vietnam’s cultural heritage through global showcases of art, cuisine, and traditions. It has expanded international cooperation across various levels, forming strategic alliances with major global carriers.

Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines Group, said: “We are proud that Vietnam Airlines has become a symbol of a modern, friendly, and globally integrated Vietnam. Each flight is more than a journey—it connects cultures, builds trust, and carries the nation’s aspirations. From the golden lotus emblem and traditional ao dai to the warm smiles of our staff, these have become iconic symbols—hallmarks of Vietnam’s expanding ‘soft power’ on the global stage.”

A 30-year milestone: Vietnam Airlines recognised with prestigious award from the Prime Minister.

Vietnam Airlines is committed to achieving 5-star international airline status by 2030. The airline will continue modernising its fleet, expanding its global network, modernising personalised services, and adopting advanced technology. Personalised people are at the core of its strategy, and the airline is focused on developing a capable and service-oriented workforce equipped for deep international integration.

Receiving the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit is a tribute to the remarkable achievements Vietnam Airlines has made over the past 30 years and a strong inspiration for future generations. These three decades have built a solid foundation, empowering the airline to move forward with confidence, driven by a vision to advance Vietnam’s aviation industry and strengthen the nation’s presence on the global stage.

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