Hanoi, March 9 -- Vietnam Airlines will officially launch a direct air route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket, Thailand, starting April 2, further expanding its Southeast Asian network and offering passengers more travel options. According to the national flag carrier, the route will operate five flights per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, using Airbus A321 aircraft. Flight VN621 will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 16:00 and arrive in Phuket at 17:50. On the return leg, flight VN620 will leave Phuket at 18:45 and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 20:55. Vietnam Airlines President and CEO Le Hong Ha said the launch of the new direct service forms part of the airline's broader strategy to expand its internation...