Airline coup for Heathrow

Vietnam Airlines is leaving Gatwick to launch a direct service from Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.  It is a major coup for the west London airport as it battles with Gatwick to secure the recommendation of the Airport Commission for a new runway when Sir Howard Davies and his team reports later in the year.  Gatwick has not commented.

From next summer, the airline will use its new fleet of 787-9 Dreamliners to operate five weekly services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.  The route frequency will be further increased to a daily service as Vietnam Airlines benefits from the strong transfer traffic and premium passenger demand that Heathrow attracts.

Because Heathrow is full, availability for long haul routes is rare with a queue of 30 airlines waiting for slots.  

Gatwick spokesperson said:  “All airports see changes in airline strategy – indeed, Virgin Atlantic has concentrated its capacity on North America and terminated its Heathrow services to Tokyo, Mumbai and Cape Town this year.

“Only Gatwick can cater for all types of airline flying to both short and long haul destinations.  With a second runway, Gatwick will be able to continue to meet the huge demand for European destinations as well as delivering direct flights to new emerging markets.”   www.vietnamairlines.com

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