China Airlines launches Hanoi Service

In response to the closer trade relationship between Taiwan and Vietnam, China Airlines inaugurated a new Taipei-Hanoi service today. This is the first time that a Taiwanese carrier has served the Taipei-Hanoi route. Initially, China Airlines will fly to Hanoi 3 times per week, and expects to increase this frequency to 7 flights per week in the near future. A modern Boeing 737-800 jet has been used on the Hanoi service, with a configuration of 8 seats in Dynasty Class, and 150 seats in Economy Class.

The Hanoi flights depart CKS International Airport every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9:30 in the morning, and arrive in Hanoi at 12:00 noon. The return flights leave Hanoi at 13:00 and arrive in Taipei at 17:20 on the same day. China Airlines also maintains a code-share cooperation on the Hanoi route with Vietnam Airlines, which operates 7 flights per week between the two cities.

China Airlines has operated passenger services to Ho Chi Minh City since 1992, and currently flies to Ho Chi Minh 14 times per week (2 times per day). In addition to the Taipei-Hanoi code share, China Airlines has a code-share service on Vietnam Airlines, Kaohsiung-Ho Chi Minh flights.

Vietnam Airlines also has a code-share arrangement on CAL's Ho Chi Minh - Taipei - Los Angeles/ San Francisco passenger flights. Since the inauguration of Hanoi service, China Airlines now has 4 or 5 flights each day from Taipei or Kaohsiung to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi.

With a population of 3 million, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and the cultural and economic center of northern Vietnam. Hai Phong, the port city close to Hanoi, is another thriving commercial center. Vietnam has enjoyed an annual GDP growth rate of more than 6.5% since 2000, and is the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. Taiwan is an important trade partner for Vietnam: it is Vietnam!|s second largest supplier of imports, and sixth largest export market. Substantial Taiwanese investment in Vietnam has helped boost the country's economy.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, Taiwanese investment into Vietnam has picked up drastically over the years. It is reported that the number of projects invested by Taiwanese investors until the end of May 2003 was 1,005 with total investment of US$ 5.448 billion.

Hanoi is also an attractive tourist destination. Cultural influences from China and France have given Hanoi an attractive combination of Eastern and Western architecture. Close to Hanoi is the beautiful Halong Bay, with its signature limestone spires, which has been listed as a Heritage Site by UNESCO.