American Airlines seeking Codeshare with Vietnam Airlines

American Airlines has applied to the United States Department of Transportation for authorization to begin codeshare operations with Vietnam Airlines in early 2006. The two airlines plan to implement their codeshare services in phases.

Initially, codesharing would be offered from the United States to Japan and Europe, with Vietnam Airlines placing its "VN" designator code on American Airlines flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Paris and Frankfurt from the U.S., which connect to Vietnam Airlines flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The airlines would also codeshare on select domestic routes.

In later phases, American Airlines would place its "AA" designator code on Vietnam Airlines' services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo, Osaka, Paris and Frankfurt.

"Vietnam is one of the top destinations for air travel in Asia, and passenger traffic in the United States-Vietnam market has experienced very strong growth in recent years," said Henry Joyner, American's Senior Vice President - Planning. "We are pleased to have this mutually beneficial opportunity to work with Vietnam Airlines as its U.S. partner, and to serve this important market."

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