Apparently VN is joining SkyTeam!

according to wikipedia.org:

> Vietnam Airlines - In a statement, Leo van Wijk stated that SkyTeam is in formal discussions with Vietnam Airlines, and is expected to conclude talks this year, paving the way for the airline's entry next year. The airline codeshares with China Southern Airlines and Korean Air. However, Japan Airlines from oneworld is lobbying the airline to join oneworld. It is reported on 8 January 2009 that Vietnam Airlines has been officially invited by SkyTeam to join the alliance (the invitation was made at the end of December 2008).

links:
http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Hom...ate-news/2803/

Minh said Vietnam Airlines was invited to be a full member of the global airline alliance Sky Team last month, which proves the airline is recognized as a major and prestigious carrier in the region.

http://www.laodong.com.vn/Home/Vietn...122191.laodong (vietnamese)

I don't know this is officical or anything but why? why skyteam? doesn't VN have more links with oneworld??? and will this afect the chance of MH joining???

No, they didn't go for OW but, VN wants to become full members to join with Skyteam. I'm sure this is very successful for VN will eventually joins the alliance is much more convenient for me. I knows JL is already existing still OW for a long time.

What about MH will eventually entry into Skyteam but, they are requested to be denial. I will not be aware about VN will become more comfortable and more contribution rather than OW along with AA, JL, QF and etc.

Well, we'll wait and see I guess. I remember this time last year a very similar announcement about CI but no further news after that.

I'm sure VN is a fine carrier but its the flag carrier of a country that doesn't exactly have the easiest transit procedures for citizens of western countries. CI, MH, or maybe even PR would be far more useful additions. I have seen some tempting fares from time to time intra-Asia on VN so maybe if transits in HAN and SGN get simpler than I'll be able to try them out.

Apparently Vietnam Airlines is joining SkyTeam!!! reports Vietnam Airlines' Madeline Spielman (report made in melbourne, australia!)

qoute:
Madeline Spielman from Vietnam Airlines announced that the 787 Dreamliner is on order with delivery dates to be released soon. Also the airline will be joining Skyteam as a full member.

Looks like hearts would be broken when JL, QF, CX & AA code-shares would be cut. But would also see new code-shares eg. AF SGN-CDG & DL SGN-LAX via NRT

Well, it would definitely help Skyteam with SE Asia connections...

Great :-:
Another member in Asia, that would be very good.

Next step should be a partner in the Southern Cone. What about AR? With TAM to *A and LAN to Oneworld, a partner based at EZE would be great. Ok, it's OT

Another airline joining ST is of course good and welcome news. However, I don't expect much in terms of expanded frequent flyer opportunities, esp. from a Flying Blue (aka Lying Screw) perspective. Just look at KE (only the very high fares qualify) and CZ (flights between France and China are excluded from redemption completely).

What makes you think they will cancel those codeshares? Has anything been announced? It certainly does not follow automatically that entering into SkyTeam they will have to severe their ties with other airlines. For example, AF maintains a pretty comprehensive partnership with JAL, incl. codeshares on the FR-JP flights, reciprocal FF benefits etc.

^^ But i would of thought that CX & JL would of liked them if they joined oneworld instead, (espescially JAL). But even if they join SkyTeam yes, they would still have great ties with JAL, and airlines do code-share out of alliances which doesn't really make sense.

Why not?! I am sure it makes business and financial sense for them, otherwise they would not do it. Being part of an alliance is one way for a particular airline to maximise its revenues/profit but by no means should it be the only one.

You know exactly what to do in order to escape from Lying Poo!

It rhymes, too!