The Vietnam Airlines Corporation gained total revenue of nearly 28 trillion VND (1.32 billion USD) for the first half of this year, according to a report released by the corporation on July 31.

During the first half of this year, domestic economy continued to recover, interest rates for loans remained low and inflation was controlled, while Vietnam continued to be a safe and attractive destination for international visitors, said the corporation.

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier and also subsidiary of the corporation, registered revenue of 27.8 trillion VND (1.31 billion USD) in the first half of the year, or 48.5 percent of the carrier's target for this year, it said.

The corporation expected to gain 100 billion VND (4.72 million USD) in pre-tax profits for the first half of this year, including 82.3 billion VND (3.88 million USD) from Vietnam Airlines.

In the first six months, the corporation ferried around 8 million passengers, 8.5 percent higher than the same period last year, including about five million local passengers.

However, the corporation continued facing many challenges in the first half of this year that affected its operations and business. These included difficulties in the domestic economy, fierce competition from the domestic and foreign markets, adverse impact of the tension on the East Sea with China and the political crisis in Thailand and Ukraine, it said.

To ensure that all targets were met by this year-end, the corporation would continue its restructuring plans, ensure security, safety and proper management of flights and improve quality of service for passengers.-VNA