Newly-assigned Chairman of Vietnam Airlines Đặng Ngọc Hòa speaks at the shareholders’ meeting held in Hà Nội on Monday. — Photo Vietnam Airlines

HÀ NỘI — Đặng Ngọc Hòa has been named as the Chairman of Vietnam Airlines Corporation.

The decision was taken by the Vietnam Airlines’ Board of Directors at the shareholders’ meeting held in Hà Nội on Monday.

Hòa will assume this position for the 2020-25 term, following Phạm Ngọc Minh who is retiring after holding this position for 2015-20.

Hòa, born in 1972, holds a Master's in Aviation Safety. He started working at Vietnam Airlines in 1995. Hòa was the Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines and Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Airport Ground Services Company Limited (VIAGS).

“In the context of the economy and production and business activities of Vietnam Airlines being heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that this responsibility is even greater, requiring members of the Board of Directors and employees to unite and make efforts at all costs to maintain the results built by previous generations of Vietnam Airlines and develop sustainably in the future,” said Hòa.

“Along with the companionship of State agencies, shareholders, partners and customers, I trust Vietnam Airlines will continue maintaining and consolidating the position as the national flag carrier,” the new chairman said.

Hòa said Vietnam Airlines will need more time and effort to restore financial “health” and improve operational efficiency to gradually recover and meet business targets.

Minh had been the chairman of Vietnam Airlines since 2016. Before that, he was General Director of Vietnam Airlines since 2007.

Under the leadership of Minh, Vietnam Airlines has grown constantly, with a fleet size of up to 100 aircraft. Vietnam Airlines' flight network includes 61 international routes to 33 destinations in 18 countries and 44 domestic routes. — VNS