Vietnam Airlines, ANA Sign Joint Venture Framework
The two carriers marked a decade of strategic cooperation with an agreement to coordinate routes, fares and schedules between Vietnam and Japan.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Business Travel
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Vietnam Airlines and ANA Holdings signed a framework agreement on joint venture cooperation on November 9, during a ceremony attended by General Secretary and President To Lam in Japan. The event marked the tenth anniversary of the two carriers' strategic cooperation.
Why it matters
The planned revenue sharing and coordination of schedules, fares, seat inventory and sales would extend a partnership that already includes codeshare flights and linked frequent flyer programmes. The agreement is subject to approval by competent authorities.
Vietnam Airlines reported an 18% increase in Japanese market passengers and a 26% rise in passenger revenue over the first nine months of 2026. As of October, the carrier operated 11 direct routes between Vietnam and Japan, totaling 72 weekly flights, though regulatory approval of the joint venture remains outstanding.
The players
Vietnam Airlines
The national flag carrier of Vietnam, which is pursuing a five-star Skytrax rating by 2030.
ANA Holdings
The Japanese holding company whose subsidiary All Nippon Airways is one of Japan's largest carriers.
To Lam
General Secretary and President of Vietnam, who attended the ceremony during an official visit to Japan.
The details
The framework agreement covers revenue sharing and coordination of flight schedules, fares, seat inventory management, sales, marketing and passenger services on routes between the two countries. The partners also extended a technical support agreement covering aircraft operations, maintenance and repair, personnel training, ground services, in-flight catering and cargo.
Timeline
May 2016: Strategic cooperation agreement signed in Tokyo.
July 2016: ANA Holdings became a strategic shareholder of Vietnam Airlines.
November 9: Anniversary ceremony held and joint venture framework agreement signed.
Travel Outlook
The framework extends the May 2016 strategic cooperation agreement between Vietnam Airlines and ANA Holdings into shared revenue and coordinated commercial operations. It reflects a partnership model in which codeshares and linked loyalty programmes precede deeper integration on Asia-Japan routes.
Travelers booking between Vietnam and Japan may see coordinated fares and schedules across Vietnam Airlines and ANA once the joint venture is approved by authorities. Codeshare flights and linked frequent flyer programmes already allow passengers to earn and redeem miles across both carriers.
The takeaway
Travelers on Vietnam-Japan routes should watch for regulatory decisions on the joint venture, since it could change how fares and seat availability are set. Existing codeshare and loyalty links are already available to book with.
Further reading
For more on how airline partnerships shape corporate travel, see Business Travel.
Live Poll
Would you consider booking a flight to Japan on a Vietnam Airlines route?
