Delegates cut the ribbon to launch the new direct air route between Ho Chi Minh City and Perth city of Australia. (Photo:VOV)

The route will operate three round trip flights per week, using modern wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft.

“After the opening of the new air route, more Vietnamese are expected to travel to Australia for tourism and work. This direct air route will shorten the travel time. We’ll no longer have to transit in Singapore or Malaysia,” said passenger Tran Duy Hung.

At the launch ceremony, Rebecca Ball, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Australia in Vietnam, said this is a significant milestone as the two countries celebrate 50 years of bilateral diplomatic ties.