Vietnam Airlines and SATS, a global leader in air cargo and ground handling, have signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement in Hanoi, marking a new phase of collaboration. The agreement aims to strengthen the aviation services ecosystem and accelerate logistics
development, building on their earlier MOU to explore cargo terminal development in Vietnam, including at Long Thanh International Airport (LTIA).
SATS has long been one of Vietnam Airlines’ significant international partners, delivering ground handling and cargo services at major airports across the airline’s global network including Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Bangalore (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Delhi (DEL), Hong Kong (HKG), London (LHR), and Paris (CDG). Its joint venture TCS (Tan Son Nhat Cargo Services), involving Vietnam Airlines and SATS, serves as Vietnam Airlines’ core cargo arm, focusing on ground handling and logistics. With its trusted, consistent service quality and an extensive presence across 27 countries, SATS remains integral to Vietnam Airlines’ international operations.
Under the new agreement, SATS and Vietnam Airlines will recognise each other as preferred partners for ground handling and cargo services across their networks. SATS will provide enhanced operational support, while Vietnam Airlines will extend corresponding partnership benefits in suitable markets to strengthen operational collaboration and service excellence. Both companies will also explore future collaborations, including developing a new cargo terminal in Vietnam.
Lê Hồng Hà, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, emphasises: “The cooperation between Vietnam Airlines and SATS marks a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to elevate service excellence, optimise operational costs, and reinforce our international operating capabilities. We strongly believe that SATS’ partnership will bring tangible value to our customers and fuel Vietnam Airlines’ long-term growth.”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to operational excellence and customer-focused solutions. Together with Vietnam Airlines and TCS, we are enhancing the consistency, safety, and efficiency of ground and cargo handling services across the network. Building on more than three decades of trusted partnership, we are deepening our collaboration to drive innovation and infrastructure development that support the evolving needs of our customers and Vietnam’s growing aviation industry,” says Kerry Mok, President and CEO at SATS.
Beyond strengthening the foundation for ground handling and cargo operations, the agreement expands the scope of cooperation into advanced areas such as aviation logistics chain development and operational process optimisation. The alignment of service standards with global best practices, supported by SATS’ technical expertise, will enable Vietnam Airlines to enhance customer experience and sharpen its competitive edge across international markets. At the same time, the partnership paves the way for joint research and adoption of innovative technologies, driving operational efficiency and sustainable development.
Vietnam Airlines and SATS will immediately begin implementing the agreed initiatives, ensuring timely and high-quality execution to deliver long-term benefits for both organisations and contribute to advancing service quality and the overall development of the aviation industry.