For the first time ever, Queenslanders can now fly direct to this major destination for as little as $200 one way.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Vietnam marks 50 years of relations between the two countries. Mr Albanese kick started his trip by enjoying local fare at a busy Vietnamese restaurant.
The sold-out first-ever direct flight from Vietnam to Brisbane touched down on Friday night in the start of a twice weekly service provided by Vietjet under a new deal with the State government’s aviation attraction war chest.
There is scope in the deal for the capacity to increase to four times a week, with the arrangement set to create an estimated 370 Queensland jobs and boost tourist spending by almost $30 million a year.
Doan Minh Khuong, Nguyen Thi Thuy Tien, Amy the Mascot, Tran Ngoc Phuong Hien, Nawapon Kaewtunjai welcome the first-ever direct Brisbane-Vietnam flight. Picture: Steve Pohlner
Vietjet’s chief operating officer Michael Hickey said he hoped Queenslanders would view Vietnam as “better than Bali” with one-way flights from just $200 from Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City, taking travellers to the heart of exotic Asia in eight hours.
“Vietnam is a vibrant country that offers multiple things to multiple people: culture, tourism, business,” he said.
“It has a real buzz and excitement.
“Vietnam has it all and does it with a smile.”
While it will have intrepid Queensland travellers salivating at the prospect of a cheap overseas holiday, there is a serious business side to the deal too, with Australia and Vietnam marking the 50th anniversary of trade relations.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the start of regular flights would deliver a significant impact for the economy.
“The arrival of Vietjet’s history-making maiden flight demonstrates the importance and growing closeness of Queensland’s post-pandemic trade partnership with Vietnam,” he said.
“It coincides with Vietnam’s booming economy and surging demand among its citizens for world-class international holiday experiences.
“It is also predicted to help turbocharge Queensland’s growing international student cohort from Vietnam, which has increased by 24 per cent this year.”
The Vietnamese capital of Ho Chi Minh City is a fascinating mix of old and new. Picture: iStock
The new service is also expected to unlock thousands of tonnes of freight capacity between Brisbane and Vietnam.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gert-Jan de Graaff hailed the arrival of Vietjet as an exciting new addition to the transport hub’s network.
“Vietnam has been one of the world’s best success stories over the past two decades and now has a generation of people eager to explore the world,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised the launch of the new Vietjet service to “beautiful Brisbane” during a bilateral meeting in Hanoi earlier this month.
With misty mountains, mysterious temples, rich wartime history and breathtaking beaches, Vietnam has long called independent travellers, but never has it been so easy to get there from Queensland.
Vietjet’s internal connections allow Queensland visitors to travel through to Instafamous sites such as Ha Long Bay and Hanoi.
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular sites. Picture: Getty Images
Vietjet launched direct flights to Ho Chi Minh from Sydney and Melbourne earlier this year, but with a shorter flight time and more favourable weather, Brisbane has a competitive edge.
Vietjet has carved out a reputation over the past decade as one of the best low-cost airlines, with the Brisbane route to include a smattering of business class and premium economy options.
Flights linking Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh will initially operate on Monday and Friday.
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