ietnam Airlines is looking to expand its footprint in North America, three years after launching its groundbreaking nonstop service from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to San Francisco (SFO).
The airline has hinted at adding Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and Vancouver (YVR) to its network, marking a significant step forward in its long-haul operations. While no timeline has been announced, it’s expected that at least one of these routes could be confirmed in 2025.
The Next Destinations
1. Los Angeles (LAX)
- Roundtrip Passengers: 261,000
- Average Fare (One-Way): $803
- Distance: 7,099 nautical miles (13,147 km)
- Comments:
Los Angeles represents Vietnam’s largest North American market and has previously seen service via United Airlines through Hong Kong. - With its size and fare similarity to San Francisco, this route seems highly likely. If launched, it would become the world’s 24th longest nonstop route, marginally longer than Emirates’ Dubai-Houston service.
2. Seattle (SEA)
- Roundtrip Passengers: 64,000
- Average Fare (One-Way): $799
- Distance: 6,236 nautical miles (11,548 km)
- Comments:
Seattle is a smaller but strategic market. It ranks as the second-largest unserved long-haul market from Seattle, behind only Delhi. - Given its growing Asian population and strong ties to Vietnam, it offers potential for Vietnam Airlines to capture both diaspora and tourism traffic.
3. Vancouver (YVR)
- Roundtrip Passengers: 60,000
- Average Fare (One-Way): $830
- Distance: 6,073 nautical miles (11,251 km)
- Comments:
Vancouver’s fares are higher than San Francisco’s, and the route is shorter, making it an appealing choice for Vietnam Airlines. - It ranks as the second-largest unserved long-haul market from Vancouver after Tehran. The city’s multicultural population and strong Pacific Rim connections support its viability.
Challenges of Long-Haul Routes
Launching and sustaining ultra-long-haul routes like these requires robust demand, particularly in premium cabins. Markets such as Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles or Vancouver heavily rely on diaspora and tourism traffic, which generally yield lower average fares compared to business-driven routes like Vancouver-Seoul.
For instance:
- Ho Chi Minh City-Vancouver fares average $830 one-way, lower than the $898 average for Vancouver-Seoul, even though the latter covers 30% less distance.
- Vietnam Airlines’ success on its San Francisco route ($791 average fare) shows that nonstop services can command a premium for convenience, but profitability remains challenging without strong business traffic.
Comparisons to Competitors
Vietnam Airlines’ plans follow in the footsteps of other carriers exploring or adding long-haul Asia-North America routes:
- Air Canada: Successfully launched Vancouver-Bangkok in 2022 and is adding Vancouver-Manila in April 2025.
- United Airlines: Considering nonstop flights to Vietnam or Thailand from San Francisco.
These developments highlight the growing demand for connections between North America and Southeast Asia.
Why Ho Chi Minh City?
Vietnam Airlines will likely operate all new North American routes from Ho Chi Minh City rather than Hanoi, as it serves as the primary gateway for:
- Point-to-Point Traffic: Ho Chi Minh City generates significantly more demand for North America than Hanoi.
- Connecting Passengers: The city offers excellent onward connections to Southeast Asia, leveraging Vietnam Airlines’ hub-and-spoke model.
Vietnam Airlines’ expansion into Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver reflects its ambition to strengthen its position in the transpacific market.
While these routes pose operational challenges due to their length and fare dynamics, they also tap into large diaspora communities and growing tourism demand.
As Vietnam Airlines continues to explore these opportunities, its role in connecting Vietnam to North America is poised to grow.
FAQ
1. What is the longest Vietnam Airlines route currently?
Vietnam Airlines’ nonstop service from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco is its longest route, spanning 7,037 nautical miles (13,029 km).
2. Why are Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver potential new destinations?
These cities have significant Vietnamese diaspora populations and strong tourism demand, making them logical choices for expansion.
3. How does the fare for these routes compare to others?
- Ho Chi Minh City-Vancouver: $830 (average one-way fare)
- Ho Chi Minh City-Seattle: $799
- Ho Chi Minh City-Los Angeles: $803
While relatively high, they are lower-yielding than routes like Vancouver-Seoul, which averages $898 for a shorter distance.
4. What aircraft does Vietnam Airlines use for transpacific flights?
Vietnam Airlines primarily uses Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-900s for its long-haul operations, both capable of ultra-long-haul routes.
5. When can we expect Vietnam Airlines to announce its next route?
While no timeline has been provided, it is likely that at least one new North American route will be announced in 2025.