Luong Hoai Nam, Director General of Pacific Airlines, said that passengers will enjoy the lowest airfares which have ever been seen in Vietnam. The lowest air ticket will be at $1; however, passengers will have to book ticket early.

Why has Pacific Airlines decided to operate as a budget airline?

The unsatisfactory business results of Pacific Airlines since its establishment in 1991 showed that the current model of business is not the most suitable one for the airline. Meanwhile, budget airlines from the US and Europe have been penetrating the Asian market for five years already. Air Asia, Jetstar Asia and Tiger Airways all have been successful with their business, including with their flights to Vietnam.

We have decided to operate as a budget airline after considering the business results of Pacific Airlines in the last few years and the condition of the world’s aviation industry. I think that it is a good choice.

Will there be any changes with Pacific Airlines?

There will be big changes, but I will just tell about the things that passengers are interested in most – the airfare and how to book tickets. Pacific Airlines will push up the selling of tickets with payment by debit and credit cards via the Internet. This will be the first general e-commercial system in Vietnam, the joint product of Pacific Airlines, the US-based Navitaire, MasterCard, and Vietcombank, with the consultancy of the US-based Unisys.

As planned, on February 15, 2007, Pacific Airlines will sell tickets for flights via the new web page http://pacificairlines.com.vn and accept payments in cards. In addition, passengers will still be able to buy tickets at Pacific Airlines sales agents as currently.

We will offer three kinds of tickets, including Sky Super Saver (super discounts), Sky Saver (big discounts) and Sky Flex (flexible prices). There will be different levels of airfare for one flight.

The airfares at which passengers buy will depend on several factors, including the time of buying and the supply and demand basis. There is a principle: the sooner you book a ticket, the cheaper the airfare you will enjoy.

Which benefits will Pacific Airlines bring passengers?

Several other services that are not necessary for a flight will not be provided in order to save costs. With Pacific Airlines, even if you buy Sky Flex tickets, it will be much cheaper than the current airfares. Those passengers who buy Pacific Airlines tickets will be ensured the right to fly with Pacific Airlines.

(Source: Lao dong)