Lotusmiles members (BSV) have for the first time been invited to represent passengers to attend an event on tasting and choosing the main course for Vietnam Airlines’ (VNA) Business Class meal. The event has left a good impression on a Platinum member among the invited guests, Mr. Luong Ngoc Bao, Vinatrans Deputy General Director.
Consulted by Global Cuisine Ambassador Luke Nguyen, the guests were offered to taste and vote for two dishes from a list involving Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong fermented fish) and Bun Cha Nem Cua Be (rice-powder noodle with crab-meat rolls and BBQ pork) featuring Vietnam’s northern cuisine, plus Banh Ram It (sticky-rice dumpling on a pancake) and Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle) representing the cuisine of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lotusmiles Program has a quick interview with Mr. Luong Ngoc Bao.
Lotusmiles: This is the first time Lotusmiles members attend the “Signature Dish” event to select the main course for Business Class meal. As one of the five invited members, which impression has this event left on you?
Mr Luong Ngoc Bao: It is my honor to be chosen to represent customers in general and Lotusmiles members in particular to give my opinions and choose the signature dish for Business Class. This event is very interesting, helping me understand more about VNA ideas and goals reflected in the dishes included in the menu, as well as about challenges and ways to overcome them in serving the food on board. I hereby also get to feel the airline’s respect to passengers and its wish to clearly understand and catch up with customers’ needs to offer a better service.
Lotusmiles: Have you got any comments on the dishes? What have you picked?
Mr Luong Ngoc Bao: As a whole, all the dishes are delicious, nicely decorated and suitable for Business Class passengers. I’ve voted Bun Cha Nem Cua Be (rice-powder noodle with crab-meat rolls and BBQ pork) to represent the northern cuisine and Banh Ram It (sticky rice dumpling on a pancake) to represent Hue dishes.
The BBQ pork tastes great, but it is needed to consider alternatives when serving Muslim passengers. Banh Ram It is delicious and nicely presented, and it would be more complete if we added VNA’s typical colors of green and yellow.
Lotusmiles: Have you seen any improvements recently by VNA in general and in the Lotusmiles Program in particular, since the airline has been rated as a 4-star airline?
Mr Luong Ngoc Bao: I am an “eternal” passenger of VNA (smiles), always trust and choose to fly with VNA. VNA products have now shown many significant improvements such as new and modern aircraft, punctual flights and dedicated ground staff and flight attendants etc. The ads conveying VNA brand identity made by short video clips shown aboard, via Facebook and on the media are better than before.
I joined Lotusmiles Program in 1999 and have been a Platinum member ever since. The service extended to members has shown significant progress, with the most impressive step being Lotusmiles operator’s recognition of each contact and calling the member by name. This is a key difference that has made members satisfied, feeling the respect.
On the other hand, Lotusmiles Program with many outstanding incentives is increasingly known and interested by passengers. In addition to incentives gained from flying with VNA and SkyTeam member airlines, Lotusmiles members have also received benefits in all areas such as banking, hotels, telecoms, insurance, shopping, car rental etc. In this way, Lotusmiles Program is creating an eco-system that serves members’ life, making their lives more interesting.
Lotusmiles: Thank you for always choosing and being loyal to VNA! We wish you good health and success at work!
Mr Luong Ngoc Bao: I would like to wish VNA to grow further and to turn into a leading airline in the region.