SYDNEY — Vietnam Airlines held its 2026 kick-off event in Sydney on the evening of March 19, drawing a large number of travel agents and distribution partners to update them on the airline’s latest policies, development orientation and key action plans for this year.

The national flag carrier reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with partners in Australia, enhancing service quality and offering passengers safe, comfortable journeys imbued with Vietnamese identity. The move is expected to help boost tourism and economic exchanges between the two countries, while making Việt Nam an increasingly attractive destination for Australian visitors.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the sidelines of the event, Nguyễn Hữu Tùng, Vietnam Airlines’ chief representative in Australia, said the curtain-raiser provided an opportunity for the airline to strengthen connections with its agency network – one of its most important distribution channels in the Oceanian market.

He noted that Australia is among Vietnam Airlines’ most promising international markets, playing a significant role in trade, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges between Việt Nam and countries served by the carrier’s route network.

Meanwhile, outlining the airline’s vision and strategy to 2030, Ngô Quang Anh, head of sales and marketing for the airline’s branch in Australia, said the carrier is accelerating network expansion while improving operational efficiency, aiming to become one of the three leading full-service airlines in Southeast Asia and among the region’s most favoured carriers.

Many travel agency representatives attending the event observed that demand among Australians for travel to Việt Nam has surged following the recovery of international tourism.

According to agents, Vietnam Airlines enjoys strong trust from Australian customers thanks to its consistent service quality, convenient flight schedules and culturally distinctive onboard experience.

Caterina Attard, a travel consultant at Encounter Travel, told VNA that Việt Nam has become a tourism “hotspot” for Australians, renowned for its cuisine, beautiful natural landscapes, affordability, and ease of travel.

She added that many local travellers have expressed satisfaction with Vietnam Airlines’ direct flights, which reduce transit time, offer competitive fares and deliver high, reliable service standards, making journeys more convenient and comfortable.

Attard also noted that close cooperation between travel agents and the carrier is likely to open up further growth opportunities. — VNA/VNS