NEWS New flights on horizon Vietnamese airline among Top End targets
ONGOING negotiations are underway to lure a Vietnamese airline – and another route into South-East Asia – to Darwin Airport.
A number of officials confirmed discussions were continuing but were unable to comment on any of the details involved.
NT Airports chief executive Ian Kew said the airport was in discussions with VietJet but couldn’t disclose any details.
“Darwin International Air- port is in talks about flying to the NT with a number of international carriers at any given time,” he said.
“Discussions with VietJet and/or any other carriers are commercial in confidence and therefore we are unable to provide further comment on the specific nature of these discussions.”
Mr Kew said more airlines coming to the airport was a big task but one the tourism indus- try and airports would be able to cater for.
“Growing more airline services to and from the NT and Darwin International Airport takes a concerted effort and we work closely with Tourism NT in attracting more airlines to the Territory,” he said.
“Darwin International Airport has the capacity to welcome new airlines and additional services to Darwin at any time.”
An NT Government spokeswoman confirmed negotiations were ongoing but the details were confidential.
“Tourism NT are in negotiations with VietJet following the Chief Minister’s visit to Vietnam last year,” she said.
“As with any commercial airline negotiations the details are commercial in confidence.”
Chamber of Commerce acting chief executive Brian O’Gallagher said flights to Vietnam would benefit the Territory in many ways.
“We’d encourage any development of NT air routes, not only for the tourism industry but to build business connections to Vietnam, which is an important opportunity – live cattle trade links – Vietnam is the second largest market for our cattle – international students, other trade links, investment opportunities,” he said.
“We are already aware of a number of significant Vietnamese business people visiting the NT and exploring opportunities here.”
However, he was unaware of specific details apart from what had already been reported by media including the NT News.
“I think the Chief Minister had direct discussions in Vietnam – I would hope he’s instructed his agencies to follow up and we would be hoping they are working with VietJet to see what could happen,” Mr O’Gallagher said.