U.S., Vietnam establish direct air links
The United States and Vietnam have agreed to open direct air service between the two countries for the first time since the end of the Vietnam War, the Department of Transportation said. A final deal is expected to be signed within days.
Under the five-year agreement, two passenger carriers from each country may immediately provide scheduled daily service. A third passenger carrier may begin service starting in three years.
The agreement also permits an unlimited number of scheduled all-cargo carriers to operate with no limits on frequencies. The agreement also features unlimited rights for cargo charters.
Both countries will attempt to negotiate a full open market treaty in four years.