Its profit exceeded the yearly target to reach VND161 billion (US$7 million).

The airline operated more than 40,000 flights in 2018, up 10.8% from last year, with passenger load factor gaining 2%.

In the third quarter of 2018, the high travel season, JPA saw significant growth in the number of domestic and foreign flyers, expanding 31.7% and 18.5%, respectively.

In the low season during the final quarter, JPA has focused on aircraft maintenance to improve service quality and flight safety and prepare for the Tet holiday, the traditional Vietnamese New Year, when traveler numbers are expected to increase 12% year on year.

According to a study by House of Brand, a global research agency, most passengers flying with JPA said the airline’s services were better than what they imagined, while monthly surveys showed that some 99% of JPA passengers were satisfied with the carrier’s service quality and ready to fly with it again.

JPA, whose two major shareholders are Vietnam Airlines and Australia-based Qantas Group, was Vietnam’s first budget airline when it was established under the name Pacific Airlines in 1990. It operates about 750 flights each week that connect 16 destinations in Vietnam and 180 others in 18 countries and territories around the world.

It was awarded the highest seven-star safety ranking from the world’s safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings.com in October, alongside national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Earlier this week, the airline announced it will add more than 80,000 seats on domestic flights to meet peak travel demand during the Tet holiday. 

Cre: VOV