VIVA Macau “the international low fare airline of choice for Macau and the Pearl River Delta” announced the appointment of Air Charter International Co Ltd as VIVA Macau's general sales agent for Japan and as its partner in Japan helping to promote Macau as an exciting tourism destination and air transport hub.

Tokyo-based Air Charter International (ACI) is a member of Air Partner PLC, a leading commercial aircraft and executive jet charter group with offices in 13 countries across four continents.

VIVA Macau President Mr Ngan In Ling commented: "VIVA Macau has chosen to work together with ACI in developing the Japanese market because they have an especially strong track record and proven expertise in developing charter flights and tailored products for Japanese tour operators wanting to develop international destinations."

"I am pleased by this opportunity for VIVA Macau to work with such a strong partner as ACI in Japan. This will give VIVA Macau the capability to reach out directly to Japanese travel consumers and for us to grow our exciting brand and product in Japan, a crucial market for Macau's tourism development," Mr Ngan stated.

ACI President Mr Yoshihiro Obayashi stated: "ACI would very much welcomes the early inauguration of flights by VIVA Macau. Macau is now a hot destination in the Japanese market!"

Mr Obayashi added: "ACI is delighted to be chosen to help VIVA Macau market a series of charter flights from Japanese cities to Macau. These services will be launched with the strong partnership of major Japanese tour operators with whom we have developed relationships over more than 35 years in the Japanese travel industry."

The cooperation between VIVA Macau and ACI is a significant step to developing stronger tourism and air transport ties between Macau and Japan, helping to diversify and expand Macau's visitor profile.

Mr Ngan said: "Japan will be an increasingly important market in the development of Macau's leisure, entertainment and business tourism sectors, especially as Macau's new international-grade resorts and convention centres begin opening in the coming months."

"I expect that our partnership with ACI will work to bring benefit to the whole Macau community. Together with other airlines in Asia, VIVA Macau's charter flights to Japan will help to build a critical mass of travellers between Macau and Japanese cities," Mr Ngan added.

VIVA Macau also welcomes the current efforts by aviation authorities of Macau and Japan to provide a stable and liberal regulatory framework for future air service links.