Three Decades of Diplomacy A Strategic Air Route

Thirty years ago, Vietnam and the United States laid the first bricks for their official diplomatic relations. From a past with many differences to the present as comprehensive partners, the two nations have journeyed together through significant milestones, marked by strong progress in economic, cultural and educational cooperation, and notably air transport, a symbol of connectivity and development. In that journey, the direct flight between Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco operated by Vietnam Airlines stands as a remarkable landmark.

In the fiercely competitive U.S. market, Vietnam Airlines differentiates itself through consistent service quality and its unique Vietnamese cultural identity. Photo: VNA

The aviation miracle of a national carrier

On November 28, 2021, Vietnam Airlines officially became the first and only airline in Vietnam to operate a scheduled direct flight to the United States, one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the world. This achievement was the result of nearly 20 years of effort across technical, legal and commercial domains, affirming the capacity and position of the national carrier in long-haul operations.

Since its route operations began, Vietnam Airlines has operated over 1,300 direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco, transporting nearly 300,000 passengers with an average seat occupancy rate of 80%. In the first half of 2025 alone, the airline planned to operate around 200 flights, serving 44,000 passengers, with an estimated seat occupancy rate of 85%.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when international routes were virtually paralyzed, Vietnam Airlines remained resilient enough to operate special repatriation flights that brought thousands of Vietnamese citizens home from the U.S. These humanitarian flights not only showed the responsibility of a national airline but also deepened the people-centered relationship between the two nations.

 In the “new normalcy,” the Ho Chi Minh City-San Francisco flight route has continued to serve as a vital link between not just two cities but also two economies. Since 2023, both volume and operational efficiency have improved steadily, with the seat occupancy rate rising by 10 percentage points to 82% over 2022 and further to 84% in 2024, reflecting a growing demand from tourists, business travelers and the overseas Vietnamese community.

In the fiercely competitive U.S. market, Vietnam Airlines stands out with consistent service quality and a distinct Vietnamese cultural identity. Photo: VNA

Product upgrading - Connectivity expansion

In addition to serving passengers, this route plays a key role in facilitating trade between Vietnam and the U.S. - currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner. From late 2021 to the end of May 2025, Vietnam Airlines transported over 8,000 tons of cargo on the Ho Chi Minh City - San Francisco route, including fresh seafood, fruits, and other strategic export products from Vietnam.

At present, Vietnam Airlines operates four flights a week on this route using Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, among the world’s most advanced airplanes. The Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco leg is sold at nearly 100% seat capacity (305 seats) while the return leg averages 87.2% of the seat capacity.

 In 2022, Vietnam Airlines earned the EDTO 240 Certificate, allowing it to operate twin-engine aircraft on long-haul routes with a maximum diversion time of 240 minutes from the nearest airport. This achievement not only helps optimize operational efficiency but also reduces flight times to 13-14 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco and around 16 hours on the return leg from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City, saving time and costs for passengers.

The U.S. air travel market is always dynamic and fiercely competitive, with the presence of major airlines like Korean Air, EVA Air and Starlux Airlines, and the upcoming entry of United Airlines with its Ho Chi Minh City-Hong Kong-San Francisco route starting November 2025. However, as the national airline, Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights while delivering a 4-star experience imbued with Vietnamese identity.

 Despite facing challenges concerning visa, education and immigration policies, especially when the U.S. is tightening related regulations, Vietnam Airlines remains committed to its long-term connectivity strategy. Looking ahead, the airline will continue to explore expanding its network to North America, including major cities in the U.S. and Canada, to support Vietnam’s socioeconomic development and diplomatic goals.

Vietnam Airlines, by soaring through U.S. skies, is writing a story of connection and amplification of national values beyond geographic borders, a vivid testament to the depth and height of Vietnam-U.S. relations today.

Source: Vietnam Business Forum