Vietnam Airlines participated in SkyTeam's Aviation Challenge 2024 (TAC 2024) by organising a special flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Paris on 16 September. This flight also supported the United Nations' International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. 

Passengers on board the special flight were gifted with an emblematic plush toy - the critically endangered white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) - one of the most highly threatened primates in the world. This gift also served to highlight the "Contribute Leaves to the Forests - For a Green and Sustainable Vietnam" campaign organised by Vietnam Airlines in partnership with MoMo and Pan Nature.  The initiative aims to restore 50 hectares of forest in the corridor between Mai Chau District (Hoa Binh Province) and Van Ho District (Son La Province) in Northwest Vietnam. As well as focusing on reforesting the area and cutting CO2 emissions to combat climate change, the campaign also seeks to raise awareness on forest protection within local communities and conserve the region's unique biodiversity - particularly the white-cheeked gibbon, of which only 14 individuals remain. 

Furthermore, flight VN11 promoted the concept of "light flying," encouraging passengers to minimise their luggage weight on this route. By carrying fewer items, passengers helped reduce the aircraft's overall weight, which in turn can lower fuel consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. Passengers were specifically encouraged to reduce non-essential items, such as extra clothing and shoes, for the Ho Chi Minh City to Paris route. Those who participated in this initiative received special gifts from Vietnam Airlines as an incentive. 

To operate flight VN11 in line with SkyTeam's challenge, Vietnam Airlines utilised a Boeing 787-9 equipped with next-generation engines that significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution. It also optimised the flight path to Europe, which not only shortened travel times but also lowered fuel consumption and minimised environmental impact. These strategies - utilising a modern fleet and optimising flight paths - are crucial to Vietnam Airlines' commitment to sustainable development. 

Moreover, flight VN11 significantly reduced the use of nylon and single-use plastics, a practice that Vietnam Airlines has committed to across its network for years. This initiative has led to the elimination of tens of millions of plastic items and bags each year. 

For in-flight meals, Vietnam Airlines prioritised local and seasonal ingredients and implemented strict procedures to recover and recycle high-quality dry goods and disposable utensils, effectively reducing unnecessary waste. 

The airline has also collaborated with the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to create healthier and more sustainable meal trays. Each meal incorporates enhanced vegetables and plant-based ingredients, prepared using nutritious cooking methods. Importantly, the fish and seafood served meet ASC standards - an internationally recognised certification for responsibly farmed seafood that reduces negative impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and local communities. This initiative is further supported by sustainably sourced U.S. soybean products. 

Participating in The Aviation Challenge aligns with Vietnam Airlines' development strategy in response to the environmental challenges facing both the global and domestic aviation industries. As the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines is committed to its social and environmental responsibilities, including collaborating with the Government to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while actively engaging as a responsible member of the SkyTeam alliance. 

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