As COVID-19 has caused many worldwide flights to be grounded, this has wiped out billions of dollars of revenues from the aviation industry and driven many airlines into debts.
Vietnam Airlines is no exception. Like other airlines, it’s also taking a big hit from the crisis as most of its fleet has been grounded and its staff have taken pay cuts.
However, such difficulties do not stop the national airline from chipping in to healthcare efforts when the country needs its help.
On 7th April, Vietnam Airlines announced on its website that it would give out free domestic flight tickets to doctors, nurses, and those transporting medical supplies for COVID-19 healthcare purposes, as part of its new “Fight shoulder to shoulder with our nation” program.
The applicable flights will depart from 9th to 30th April.
To be eligible for this policy, passengers or people shipping freight need to submit a business trip approval letter, or the authorization of the COVID-19 Prevention National Committee and relevant agencies.
Required documents must be sent to Vietnam Airlines’ disease prevention committee at least 2 days before the flight date.
Contact:
In order for medical passengers to get on board according to their schedule, Vietnam Airlines will offer them priority seat confirmation and priority check-in.
Image credit: Đoàn bay 919
Apart from sending fellow Vietnamese from many countries affected badly by COVID-19 back home, Vietnam Airlines also transports mail on cargo-only flights using regular passenger jets to ensure that commercial operations continue smoothly.
VN7215 departing to SGN at 11PM with merchandise loading up the cabin
Image credit: Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines also received a heartwarming letter of gratitude from the Embassy of Ukraine in Vietnam for its flight carrying Ukrainian citizens stranded in Vietnam back to Ukraine amid the pandemic on 29th March.
Our national airline is setting a good example with its readiness to go the extra mile in supporting Vietnam’s healthcare relief efforts.
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Cover image adapted from: Đoàn bay 919
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