Vietnam Airlines and ground handler SATS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and operate an air cargo terminal at the upcoming Long Thanh International Airport (LTIA) in Vietnam. The new airport, currently under construction, is expected to ease congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and serve Ho Chi Minh City.
Air Cargo News has requested further details on the terminal’s size and capacity, but the partnership aligns with Vietnam Airlines’ plans to launch the country’s first all-freighter airline, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s air cargo industry.
Located 35 km from Ho Chi Minh City in Dong Nai province, LTIA is scheduled to open in phases, with the first stage expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026. The airport will initially handle up to 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, with future expansions increasing capacity to 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050.
In addition to developing the terminal, Vietnam Airlines and SATS will collaborate on customized airfreight and logistics solutions, including trucking and middle-mile services to enhance Vietnam’s supply chain network. Kerry Mok, president and chief executive of SATS, emphasized the potential of the partnership, stating that the collaboration offers significant growth opportunities as both companies explore global markets. He added that SATS brings extensive expertise in cargo terminal operations and ground handling services to support Vietnam’s newest airport.
Vietnam Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, currently operates a fleet of over 93 aircraft and serves 22 domestic and 30 international destinations. The partnership with SATS signals a strong commitment to strengthening Vietnam’s position in the global air cargo industry.