The Mekong Aviation JSC (Air Mekong) will launch a direct flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang on April 28.

This is the first direct flight between the two destinations without transiting in Ho Chi Minh City , thus will help passengers to reduce half of their travelling time.

Daily Hanoi-Phu Quoc flights will depart at 6am in Hanoi and make return flights at 12.40pm.

Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam with an area of 59,300 ha with two towns, Duong Dong and An Thoi, and eight communes. It is known for its pristine beaches and forests.

Phu Quoc is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and tourism potential.

Air Mekong, Vietnam 's third private air carrier, went into operation last October. It recently has received delivery of four Canadian Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft, owned by the US company Skywest Leasing. Each aircraft has 90 business and economy-class seats./.