Vietnam Airlines Operates Return Flight for Vietnamese Nationals in Wuhan

On the evening of 9 February 2020, Vietnam Airlines President & CEO Duong Tri Thanh was at Noi Bai airport to encourage the flight crew before carrying out the mission. (Photo: VNA).

Prior to this event, flights were operated from Hanoi to Wuhan to deliver medical supplies from the Government of Vietnam to the Government and people of China, as well as supplies from Vietnam Airlines to Chinese carriers. 15 crew members were selected from nearly 100 pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and ground staff who volunteered for the mission.

Accordingly, flight VN68 landed at the Van Don International Airport at 5:04 AM on 10 February 2020. Upon landing, all passengers and crew members on board were transported to a quarantine zone for further health checks and monitoring, which will last a total of 14 days. The aircraft was also carefully and entirely disinfected. Additionally, the aircraft’s operation was halted for 24 hours to completely ensure no potential survival risk of any nCoV pathogens.

Flight crew met to assign task checked for temperature before flight.(Photo: VNA).

This flight, operated by Vietnam Airlines, followed the most stringent standards – equipped with a seasoned flight crew and a team of skillful engineers and technicians. Back-up components and supplies were also put on board to deal with any possible technical issues that might arise. Ground units were also mobilized to enhance the management and supervision of the flight – prioritizing the flight and the successful implementation of the proposed plan.

The flight returning Vietnamese nationals from Wuhan – the epicenter of the nCoV outbreak was assigned for Vietnam Airlines by the Government.(Photo: VNA).

To protect the health of passengers and workers in both Wuhan and Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines cooperated with the competent authorities to outfit the flight crew and ground staff members with medical protective gear; coordinated experts; and placed specialized medical equipment on board. The Airline also cooperated with Wuhan authorities to perform health checks for all passengers and flight crew members before permitting them to board the aircraft. To limit the risk of infection via reusable items, Vietnam Airlines did not provide inflight meals, magazines, blankets, or inflight entertainment services on this flight.

This is not the first time Vietnam Airlines has orchestrated rescue missions for passengers in areas that are politically, economically, or socially unstable. Previously, the Airline took part in a number of the Government’s major campaigns such as the establishment of an aviation bridge to evacuate workers stranded in Libya in 2011 and 2014; Vietnamese nationals to return home during Japan’s earthquake and tsunami in 2011; passenger evacuation operation from Europe due to a volcanic eruption in 2010; rescue of passengers in Thailand amidst the 2008 political crisis; return of Vietnamese nationals from Malaysia and the Middle East in 2005 and 2007…

All seats were covered with nylon to limit the spread of the virus. (Photo: VNA).

Flight from Hanoi to Wuhan delivered medical supplies from the Government of Vietnam to the Government and people of China, as well as supplies from Vietnam Airlines to Chinese carriers. (Photo: VNA).

These passenger rescue operations exemplify the Flag Carrier’s mission and national responsibility. This is also a part of Vietnam Airlines’ Flights of Nation campaign in which the Airline supports and supplements key governmental activities for the benefit of the nation, its citizens, and its image.