Vietnam Airlines SAS cooperation discussions now have a formal framework after the Vietnamese flag carrier signed memorandums of understanding with Scandinavian Airlines, Copenhagen Airport and Danish Industry. Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority reported the agreements on Oct. 21, 2026, following a Vietnam–Denmark business forum.
The documents cover opportunities for flight-network development, potential codeshares, freight cooperation, distribution and frequent-flyer connections. The announcements do not identify an executed codeshare schedule, a firm new aircraft order or the launch date of an additional direct route.
Vietnam Airlines already flies between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen. The new agreements seek to build on that existing operation, allowing the carrier and its Nordic partners to explore ways to improve travel and business links between Vietnam, Denmark and other Scandinavian markets.
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Scope of the Vietnam Airlines SAS Memorandum
The Vietnamese civil aviation authority’s report lists proposed areas for cooperation with SAS: codeshare arrangements, frequent-flyer programs, cargo transport, new distribution systems and corporate customers. Each would require operational and commercial follow-through before customers could use an expanded product.
A codeshare allows one airline to market a flight operated by another, subject to the relevant commercial and regulatory arrangements. A signed memorandum to explore codesharing should not be described as a fully launched itinerary. Travelers will need to consult published flight schedules and actual ticket offers before assuming a new connection is available.
The parties also intend to exchange market information and assess business opportunities in Northern Europe. Those plans could support connecting traffic between Vietnam Airlines’ long-haul flights and SAS services, but the Oct. 21 announcement did not provide a list of approved codeshare routes or new loyalty-program earning rules.
Copenhagen Airport Talks Focus on Existing Services
Vietnam Airlines began operating its Ho Chi Minh City–Copenhagen service in December 2025, according to the aviation authority. The report describes three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft and a journey of more than 12 hours. Those are details of the existing route, not a schedule for a newly announced nonstop service.
The separate memorandum with Copenhagen Airport covers joint market development and operational efficiency. The partners may explore additional nonstops or greater flight frequency if passenger demand and business conditions warrant them. None of those possibilities should be converted into a confirmed launch without a later formal schedule announcement.
Copenhagen serves as a Nordic aviation hub, so onward connections matter as well as passengers traveling solely to Denmark. Vietnam Airlines SAS discussions therefore concern how an established long-haul link might connect more effectively with markets beyond its endpoints. The company has not disclosed revenue projections or traffic targets for the proposals.
Danish Industry Agreement Broadens the Partnership
A third memorandum involves Danish Industry, a business and employers organization. It covers information sharing, business outreach and stronger links with companies that may need travel or air-freight services. The report also says the parties may examine Vietnam Airlines becoming a member of the organization.
These measures concern commercial relationships rather than permission to operate new flights. Corporate travel activity may eventually support airline demand, but no guaranteed passenger volume was announced. Danish Industry participation also does not change aircraft certification, traffic rights or the conditions under which codeshare partnerships must operate.
For broader aviation context, TAD has reported on Nordic regional-aircraft demonstration plans. That separate activity concerns aircraft testing, not the Vietnam Airlines agreements. Both developments show the diversity of aviation projects in the region, from proposed commercial partnerships to future operating trials.
FAQ: Vietnam Airlines SAS
Are Vietnam Airlines SAS codeshare flights on sale?
The Oct. 21 report discusses a memorandum to explore codeshares. It does not publish a confirmed new codeshare schedule or ticket launch.
Does Vietnam Airlines already fly to Copenhagen?
Yes. The Vietnamese aviation authority says the Ho Chi Minh City–Copenhagen route has operated three times weekly since December 2025.
Did the agreements announce a new nonstop route?
No. Possible added routes or frequencies are subjects for evaluation, not confirmed flight launches.
Looking Ahead
Vietnam Airlines SAS negotiations may progress to detailed commercial agreements, but the aviation authority published no implementation deadline. The next verifiable milestones will be route schedules, formal codeshare sales announcements or specific loyalty arrangements, if any are finalized.
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