Vietnam Airlines participated in SkyTeam’s Aviation Challenge 2024 (TAC 2024) by organising a special flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Paris on 16 September. This flight also supported the United Nations' International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
Passengers on board the special flight were gifted with an emblematic plush toy - the critically endangered white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) - one of the most highly threatened primates in the world. This gift also served to highlight the "Contribute Leaves to the Forests - For a Green and Sustainable Vietnam" campaign organised by Vietnam Airlines in partnership with MoMo and Pan Nature. The initiative aims to restore 50 hectares of forest in the corridor between Mai Chau District (Hoa Binh Province) and Van Ho District (Son La Province) in Northwest Vietnam. As well as focusing on reforesting the area and cutting CO2 emissions to combat climate change, the campaign also seeks to raise awareness on forest protection within local communities and conserve the region's unique biodiversity - particularly the white-cheeked gibbon, of which only 14 individuals remain.
Furthermore, flight VN11 promoted the concept of "light flying," encouraging passengers to minimise their luggage weight on this route. By carrying fewer items, passengers helped reduce the aircraft's overall weight, which in turn can lower fuel consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. Passengers were specifically encouraged to reduce non-essential items, such as extra clothing and shoes, for the Ho Chi Minh City to Paris route. Those who participated in this initiative received special gifts from Vietnam Airlines as an incentive.
To operate flight VN11 in line with SkyTeam’s challenge, Vietnam Airlines utilised a Boeing 787-9 equipped with next-generation engines that significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution. It also optimised the flight path to Europe, which not only shortened travel times but also lowered fuel consumption and minimised environmental impact. These strategies - utilising a modern fleet and optimising flight paths - are crucial to Vietnam Airlines' commitment to sustainable development.
Moreover, flight VN11 significantly reduced the use of nylon and single-use plastics, a practice that Vietnam Airlines has committed to across its network for years. This initiative has led to the elimination of tens of millions of plastic items and bags each year.
For in-flight meals, Vietnam Airlines prioritised local and seasonal ingredients and implemented strict procedures to recover and recycle high-quality dry goods and disposable utensils, effectively reducing unnecessary waste.
The airline has also collaborated with the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to create healthier and more sustainable meal trays. Each meal incorporates enhanced vegetables and plant-based ingredients, prepared using nutritious cooking methods. Importantly, the fish and seafood served meet ASC standards - an internationally recognised certification for responsibly farmed seafood that reduces negative impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and local communities. This initiative is further supported by sustainably sourced U.S. soybean products.
Participating in The Aviation Challenge aligns with Vietnam Airlines' development strategy in response to the environmental challenges facing both the global and domestic aviation industries. As the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines is committed to its social and environmental responsibilities, including collaborating with the Government to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while actively engaging as a responsible member of the SkyTeam alliance.
-ENDS-
About Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines, a member of SkyTeam Alliance, is the flag carrier of Vietnam, connecting the world’s most thriving destinations, domestically , regionally and globally, operating 100 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations. Vietnam Airlines boasts one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia, highlighted by their Boeing 787-9, 787-10 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-900 XWBs and Airbus A321neo.
Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com) is the only airline operating nonstop services between London Heathrow to both Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City. Flights are operated by the latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class cabins offering impeccable levels of comfort and service throughout every journey.
The airline takes great pride enhancing connectivity between the UK, European and Vietnamese markets, boosting the commercial ties and economic recovery post pandemic. In 2019, the UK was ranked as Vietnam Airlines’ top 10 largest source of international visitors to Vietnam.
The carrier is recognised as one of the region’s finest airlines thanks to its modern fleet and its commitment towards innovation and development — earning it international acclaim as validated by numerous prestigious awards such as 4-Star Airline Rating and World's Top 100 Airlines by Skytrax - the international air transport rating organisation; Asia's Leading Airline Brand, Asia's Leading Airline - Economy Class/Premium Economy Class and World's Leading Cultural Airline by World Travel Awards. These achievements stand as a testament to the airline’s quality across a range of products and services.
Vietnam Airlines has spearheaded Vietnam’s aviation market – one of the fastest-growing domestic markets in the world – throughout 30 years of development. Fuelled by a vibrant domestic market and rapidly growing international traffic, Vietnam Airlines is well on the way to establishing itself as major force in Asia.
About “The Aviation Challenge”
"The Aviation Challenge" (TAC) is an initiative launched by the global airline alliance SkyTeam, aimed at promoting sustainable innovation within the aviation industry.
Originally introduced in 2022 as 'The Sustainable Flight Challenge' (TSFC), the program has been renamed this year to reflect a more comprehensive approach that encompasses all facets of aviation. Airlines worldwide participating in this challenge will both compete and collaborate to promote sustainable solutions, aiming to minimize the aviation industry’s impact on the environment.
TAC 2024’s theme is 'Adoption,' focusing on encouraging airlines to integrate and apply more sustainable solutions across all operations - from fuel management, flight operations, and in-flight services to ground handling, cargo processing, and the use of digital technology to enhance resource conservation. Vietnam Airlines previously participated in the TSFC in 2023, where it achieved notable success.
For further press information please contact:
Dara Soeharto (dara@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.
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