Vietnam Airlines operated more than 118,000 safe flights in 2014, a year on year increase of 3.8 percent, heard a conference held by the corporation on December 31.

The airline transported over 15.75 million passengers during the year, up nearly 7 percent, with an average seat occupancy rate of almost 80 percent. It earned 71,970 billion VND (3.4 billion USD) in revenue, equivalent to 102 percent of the 2013 figure.

The national flag carrier also successfully launched its initial public offering (IPO) in line with the equitisation roadmap approved by the Minister of Transport.

2015 will be the first year Vietnam Airlines operates as an equitised company after many breakthrough investments in aircraft and service quality. The airline will become the first carrier in Asia to simultaneously exploit two latest aircraft models which are Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900.

Vietnam Airlines will also expand its international and domestic routes, upgrade ground and air services in line with international standards towards the goal of becoming one of the leading air carriers in the region.-VNA