U.S., Hanoi approve their first air links since Vietnam War

HANOI, Vietnam -- Vietnam and the United States agreed on Thursday to allow passenger and cargo flights between the two countries for the first time since the end of the Vietnam War.

The agreement was initialed by Thamvu Hien, deputy director of Vietnam's Civil Aviation Administration, and Laura Faux-Gable, deputy director of the U.S. State Department's Office of Aviation Negotiations, in Hanoi.

"Upon entry into force, the agreement will permit a wide range of services, including direct passenger and cargo service between the United States and Vietnam," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in Washington prior to the signing.

Vietnam's relations with the United States have broadened since a bilateral trade agreement went into effect in December 2001. The pact has significantly increased two-way trade between the former foes, but negotiators had been unable to reach an agreement on air travel.

American carriers must now use code-sharing agreements with other airlines that operate in the country, which means passengers flying between the two countries have to switch planes somewhere before reaching their final destination.

The accord would allow commercial flights between the United States and Vietnam, but no details were available on when the service would begin.

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