ANA, Vietnam Airlines Sign Framework for Japan–Vietnam Joint Venture

TOKYO — All Nippon Airways (NH) and Vietnam Airlines (VN) signed a framework agreement on November 9 to pursue a joint venture on passenger services between Japan and Vietnam, setting out plans for deeper commercial cooperation after a decade of partnership.

Implementation is subject to approvals from authorities in both countries, including antitrust immunity, ANA said. The signing does not put the proposed joint venture into operation.

Vietnam Airlines said the partners intend to share revenue and coordinate schedules, fares, seat inventory, sales, marketing and passenger services. Those plans remain subject to regulatory approval.

Beyond the Existing Codeshare

The relationship dates to 2016, when ANA Holdings became a strategic shareholder in Vietnam Airlines. Their original codeshare and frequent flyer announcement set out cooperation on ten international routes between the countries and 25 domestic routes, with the arrangements due to begin on October 30 that year.

Domestic connections were therefore part of the partnership from the outset. The proposed joint venture would add closer coordination over how the carriers price and sell travel, alongside the planned sharing of revenue.

For passengers, that could affect the combination of flights available for a journey and how connections are timed. Vietnam Airlines identifies improvements to booking, connections and frequent flyer benefits as aims of the agreement. The November 9 announcements do not specify new joint fares or revised schedules that travelers can book.

Growth in Vietnam Airlines’ Japan Business

Vietnam Airlines reported that its Japan–Vietnam network covered 11 routes with 72 weekly flights as of October 2026. Its passenger numbers in the Japanese market rose 18% in the first nine months of 2026 compared with a year earlier, while passenger revenue increased 26%, according to the carrier.

Neither carrier's November 9 announcement sets out a revenue-allocation formula or a launch date for the joint venture. They also do not specify a new route or frequency increase under the framework.