Vietnam Airlines’ switch from Gatwick to Heathrow will see a rise in the frequency of services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City following the deployment of the airline’s new Boeing 787-9.
The carrier will join follow SkyTeam alliance members operating from Terminal 4 from March 31.
The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner from July will see the introduction of daily services.
The airline’s chief executive Pham Ngoc Minh said: “Our vision, and that of the government of Vietnam, is for Vietnam Airlines to become the major carrier in Southeast Asia.
“Establishing Vietnam Airlines in the UK market is vital to realising that vision, and we remain extremely grateful to Gatwick airport for its support in doing that, and for its contribution towards the advancement of Vietnam-UK bilateral relations.
“Less than four years after successfully launching the first ever non-stop services between the UK and Vietnam, moving our operations to Heathrow represents another tremendous step towards achieving our goal.
“We are delighted that our passengers will soon be able to enjoy daily flights on the very latest and most comfortable aircraft, from one of the world’s most important, advanced and well connected international hub airports”.
Vietnam Airlines’ UK and Ireland general manager Le Thanh Dzung added: “The launch of Vietnam Airlines’ non-stop services from Gatwick saw UK arrivals into Vietnam rise by over 40% year-on-year, and both the leisure and corporate markets have grown steadily ever since.
“Moving our operations to Heathrow will enable us to offer the increased frequency and capacity needed to build on and cater to this growing demand.
“As a prestigious global hub airport, Heathrow also provides a perfect platform on which to launch our new, world class product and branding.”
Lord Puttnam, UK trade envoy to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, said “As an island trading nation, air links in to fast growing import markets like Vietnam are vital for the UK’s economic growth prospects.
“That’s why I am delighted to welcome the announcement that Vietnam Airlines will now have a daily, direct route to Britain’s hub airport, helping British business to compete in the global race.”