United Airlines today announced that, following a decision by the government
of Vietnam to allow air service between the U.S. and Vietnam via Hong
Kong, it intends to implement daily San Francisco-Ho Chi Minh City service
via Hong Kong. This service would commence as soon as the necessary
regulatory procedures have been completed by the relevant Vietnamese and
U.S. government agencies. The Vietnamese government’s decision comes ahead
of the schedule that the U.S. and Vietnam agreed upon last year.“This newly planned service to Vietnam is an important addition to our
global route network,” said Graham Atkinson, United’s senior vice
president of Worldwide Sales and Alliances. “Vietnam’s highly charged
economy and a growing demand for air service to the U.S. makes Ho Chi Minh
City an appropriate market for United’s service.”

According to the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the country is
one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Analysts have forecast
Vietnamese GDP growth above 7 percent for this year. Following regulatory
approval, United’s service will be the first scheduled U.S. air carrier
service to Vietnam in nearly three decades.

“We are very excited by the opportunity to be the first U.S. carrier to
operate passenger flights to Vietnam in nearly 30 years,” Atkinson added.
“United’s service will help further strengthen ties between the people of
the United States and Vietnam, and facilitate tourism and trade between
the two countries.”

The U.S. and Vietnam agreed last year to allow the resumption of direct
air services. At that time, service via Hong Kong was deferred until fall
of 2005. At United’s urging, Vietnam has agreed to advance that date,
allowing an earlier reintroduction of services than was possible under the
original schedule.

United intends to operate combined passenger and cargo service using a
Boeing 747-400 aircraft configured with 14 First Class Suites, 73 United
Business seats and 260 economy class seats.
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