Vietnam Airlines takes delivery of its 5th Boeing 787-10

At the end of July, Vietnam Airlines took delivery of its 5th Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which is also the 30th wide-body plane to join the carrier’s growing fleet.  The latest addition was welcomed with a grand celebration at Noi Bai International Airport. 

The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is the largest in the 787 family with a length of over 68 metres, a payload of 56-60 tonnes and can cover a maximum distance of nearly 12,000 km. Vietnam Airlines operates the aircraft in a two-class configuration with 24 seats in Business Class and 343 seats in Economy Class.

Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, said:  “Being a flag carrier of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines is committed to upgrading and expanding our fleet. We aim not only to provide the highest levels of passenger comfort but also to fulfil our mission of connecting Vietnam with the world, therefore significantly supporting economic and social development."

The Boeing 787-10 boasts a range of technological advancements and modern amenities tailored to enhance passenger experience. Highlights include a spacious cabin, comfortable seats, large overhead bin and windows, modern entertainment system, adjustable LED lighting, lower cabin altitude, cleaner air, higher humidity, improved temperature control.

For availability and reservations on Vietnam Airlines please see here.

Vietnam Airlines orders 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Boeing and Vietnam Airlines announced today the carrier's commitment to order 50 Boeing 737- MAX 8 jets to be the backbone of its future growth plans.

The commitment was announced during a signing ceremony with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House officials and Vietnamese government leaders today, Monday,11th September.

U.S. and Vietnam officials said the commitment will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing's long history of collaboration with Vietnam's civil aviation industry, the carrier's 737 MAX fleet will support the country's goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.

"In line with Vietnam Airlines' 2025-2030 fleet strategy and a vision to 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial project that underpins positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the airline, said Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines. "The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to foster our overall development and extend our high-quality service on Vietnam Airlines' domestic and Asian routes, as well as modernize our fuel-efficient fleet."

"Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect aeroplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet that regional demand," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s."

Boeing is committed to its strong relationships with Vietnamese suppliers and partnering to create a strong, efficient and resilient global supply chain to deliver the highest quality products and services for our customers. Today, Boeing has a corporate office in Hanoi and Field Service Offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Learn more about the history of the Flag Carrier of Vietnam and its Golden Lotus brand.

Vietnam Airlines to start new service to Perth, Australia.

Vietnam Airlines has announced it will start a new direct service between home base of Ho Chi Minh City and Perth, the premier tourist destination and capital of Western Australia.

The service will operate three times a week, on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 7th December. The initial schedule has outbound flight depart 15:50 arriving 23:05 and the return flight is timed to leave at 00:50 every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, landing back at a little after 06:00. 

Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook indicated the new route would open an abundance of opportunities for the two cities and a boost for new Western Australia's tourism sector. "We have a growing Western Australian-Vietnamese community in our state, which has contributed to our social, economic and cultural development and this announcement will provide better direct connections for the community whether it be for leisure, business or studying opportunities”, he said.

Vietnam is becoming an emerging tourism market for Western Australia, with 10,000 visitors travelling into the state between March 2022 and March 2023. "With flights starting in December, just in time for the peak summer season, I'm sure this route will be very popular, and helps affirm our status as the Western Gateway to Australia” Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism of Western Australia Rita Saffioti said.

Vietnam Airlines also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Expedia Group, expanding its existing relationship to a global scale. The agreement will promote and facilitate travel bookings and sales through Expedia Group's global online platform. The two parties intend to collaborate in areas of mutual interest to enhance customer experience, expand market reach, and help increase revenue streams.

“Vietnam Airlines is pleased to build on the existing agreement with Expedia Group to capture the robust growth in travel demand in the region. We are excited to expand our presence on a global scale and attract many more international travelers around the world to explore mesmerizing destinations in Vietnam through our expansive network. This agreement will bring better experience for our customers when flying with Vietnam’s national carrier” – said Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President, Vietnam Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines And Singapore Airlines strengthen commercial cooperation

Vietnam Airlines And Singapore Airlines 

strengthen commercial cooperation

 

               Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the commercial collaboration between the two airlines.

The carriers will initially explore opportunities for codeshare arrangements to facilitate better connectivity between Vietnam and Singapore. This could potentially be expanded to include other destinations that SIA serves. The two airlines will also explore other areas of commercial cooperation that could offer more value and options to their customers.

Mr Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, witnessed the exchange of the signed MoU during the Vietnam-Singapore Business Forum on 10 February 2023.

Vietnam Airlines returns to Terminal 4 at London Heathrow Airport

Vietnam Airlines heads back to London Heathrow's Terminal 4

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has restarted flights to London Heathrow's Terminal 4 today with nearly 270 passengers on flight VN56 departing from the London airport to Hanoi. Staff were on hand to support with the boarding procedures at the Terminal 4.

The airline is slowly growing its route network again following the pandemic, from 5th July the carrier will operate three flights per week on the London-Hanoi service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Between 11th August and 29th October 9, Vietnam Airlines will operate flights from London to Hanoi every Tuesday and Thursday and services from London to Ho Chi Minh City set to resume on Saturdays.

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Vietnam Airlines, BRG Group and SeABank sign a strategic cooperation agreement

Vietnam Airlines Corporation, BRG Group Joint Stock Company (BRG Group), and Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank) signed a strategic cooperation agreement on a wide variety of areas to enhance customer experience and contribute to the country's socio-economic sustainability.

Madam Nguyen Thi Nga, Chairwoman of BRG Group, said at the signing ceremony: "BRG Group always strives to set new standards in the value chain of the BRG ecosystem through cooperation with leading local and global names. I believe that the strategic partnership agreement signed today will provide numerous chances for the three parties' comprehensive and sustainable growth in the future. Furthermore, it shall enable all stakeholders to offer fresh, complete, differentiated, high-class experiences, products and services to all domestic and international customers."

Mr. Le Hong Ha, General Director of Vietnam Airlines shared: "Vietnam Airlines is very pleased with the potential cooperation with BRG Group and SeABank, two prospective major partners currently serving tens of millions of domestic and international customers. Besides, SeABank's preferential credit facility will enable us to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, resume production and business rapidly, which plays a part in the country's socio-economic growth."

Jetstar Pacific to be rebranded Pacific Airlines

                                     Vietnam Airlines (VNA) and Qantas will be changing the name of Jetstar Pacific to Pacific Airlines -  its original name as they try to make the sideline profitable again in the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. 

Pending government and regulatory approval, the low-cost carrier will return to its original brand name, Pacific Airlines, and feature a new logo and livery inspired by VNA’ brand colours and design. Jetstar Pacific is set to officially operate under the new name Pacific Airlines upon authorities’ approval.  The airline will also change its reservation system from Navitaire to Sabre, to allow the low-cost carrier to streamline its bookings, network and customer functions with VNA."

Vietnam Airlines Executive Vice President and Pacific Airlines Chairman, Trinh Hong Quang, said the change would unlock economies of scale and help the industry to embark on a post-COVID-19 recovery. "Low-cost carriers will play a certain role in supporting the return of travel as restrictions ease, and by streamlining functions, Pacific Airlines can remain competitive, inherit many of the efficiencies of Vietnam Airlines and continue to offer the low fares our customers expect.

Vietnam Airlines reducing domestic Vietnam flights

Vietnam Airlines reducing domestic Vietnam flights and introducing new passenger transport policy due to Covid-19

To help combat the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 Vietnam Airlines has confirmed it will reduce the number of domestic flights it operates between 30th March and 15th April 2020. 

Specifically, all domestic routes will be temporarily suspended during the above period, except for routes from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and from Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang / Phu Quoc. These routes will be maintained with a maximum frequency of 01 round trip per day.

The adjusted domestic flight schedule for the period from 30th March to 15th April is pictured below:-

Delta and Vietnam Airlines enhance codeshare flights via Tokyo

Delta Air Lines and Vietnam Airlines are enhancing their codeshare agreement adding Delta codes to all Vietnam Airlines flights between Tokyo and Hanoi from 12th February.

The enhanced codeshare agreement will allow customers on Delta’s flights from Minneapolis and Los Angeles to Tokyo-Haneda to connect to the Vietnam Airlines’ flights from Haneda to Hanoi. Once all Delta’s Tokyo flights consolidate at Haneda on March 29, all Delta customers from Atlanta, Detroit, Seattle, Portland, Honolulu in addition to Los Angeles and Minneapolis, can connect to Vietnam Airlines’ Hanoi flights at Haneda. Vietnam Airlines will also add their codes to all Delta flights to/from Haneda.

“This is going to be a transformative year for Delta in Japan as we consolidate our services in Haneda next month,” said Perry Cantarutti, Senior Vice President-Alliances, Delta Air Lines. “The partnership with fellow SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines, further strengthens Delta’s position in Haneda as the largest U.S. airline, while enhancing connectivity between the two countries.”

Vietnam Airlines upgrades codeshare deal with Delta and gets its first 787-10

Photo Delta

The US mega-carrier Delta Air Lines and Vietnam Airlines have confirmed that they are upgrading their codeshare arrangement partnership that will see Delta selling more seats on Vietnam Airlines flights.  The US carrier will be selling seats on Vietnam's Hanoi-Tokyo route from October 2019. 

“The upgrade into a two-way partnership allows passengers to book a codeshare flight and fulfil flight formalities only once for their entire journey through either Vietnam Airlines or Delta Air Lines, thereby facilitating their visits to popular destinations in both countries,” says Vietnam Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines has also just taken delivery of its first of eight Boeing 787-10s, from the US manufacturer via a special lease deal with Air Lease Corporation.

Vietnam Airlines Flies Its First Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

The US planemaker Boeing has delivered the first of eight 787-10 Dreamliner aeroplanes to Vietnam Airlines today via lease from Air Lease Corporation [NYSE: AL]. The Vietnamese flag carrier plans to put the 787-10 – the most fuel-efficient twin-aisle aeroplane in the industry – on the busiest routes in its expanding network.

"Welcoming the largest member of the 787 family to our growing fleet ensures we continue to boast one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia and also adds a competitive edge to Vietnam Airlines' operations. We appreciate the unbeatable efficiency performance with reduced fuel burn and outstanding passenger comfort and amenities," said Pham Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines. "On our journey to become a 5-star airline, we are confident that the Boeing 787-10 fleet will further elevate the customer experience on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route as well as many international routes."

Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Two New Airbus A320-200neo Aircraft with Vietnam Airlines

Air Lease Corporation announced a long-term lease agreement with Vietnam Airlines for two new Airbus A320-200neo aircraft. The two new A320-200neos are scheduled to be delivered to the airline in fall 2020 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are pleased to announce another important transaction with our long-time loyal customer, Vietnam Airlines, for two A320-200neo aircraft,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “ALC has played an instrumental role supporting Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing fleet expansion goals since 2010 and we are thrilled to continue to build upon our relationship with one of the fastest-growing airlines in Asia.”

Vietnam Airlines currently has two A330-200s and six A321-200neos on lease from ALC, as well as six A321-200neos and eight Boeing 787-10 aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline from ALC’s order book 2019-2021.

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Vietnam Airlines gets first A321-200neo

Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of a new Airbus A321-200neo this week from aircraft leasing giants Air Lease Corporation.  The new jet is the first of 12 the airline has on order which are scheduled for delivery through 2019 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“ALC is pleased to announce this first of 12 new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft delivery today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “This new delivery strengthens our long-standing relationship as Vietnam Airlines continues to excel as one of the fastest growing airlines in Asia with the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

The super advanced Airbus A321-200neos feature the fuel-efficient PW1130G engines and will enable the carrier to make great savings on operational costs as it enters the carriers expanding fleet. In addition to the 12 new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft, Vietnam Airlines is also confirmed to take delivery of eight Boeing 787-10s from ALC starting in the third quarter of 2019 through 2021. Vietnam Airlines currently has two A330-200s on lease from ALC, for a total of 22 aircraft on lease to the airline.

“We are delighted to deliver the first of 12 new A321neo aircraft on long-term leases from ALC to Vietnam Airlines,” said Jie Chen, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia of Air Lease Corporation. “Further A321neo deliveries to Vietnam will take place in the coming weeks.”

  

Vietnam Airlines takes delivery of its first A321neo

Aero engine makers Pratt & Whitney, Airbus and Vietnam Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline's first Airbus A321neo on a lease basis from Aviation Capital Group (ACG) and powered by the ultra efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines at the Airbus delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany on Thursday, November 15th

Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier of Vietnam and is scheduled to receive 20 A321neo aircraft under its fleet renewal programme which will help it expand its regional route network. The new A321neos feature a comfortable premium two-class cabin configuration with 8 Business Class seats and 195 Economy Class seats. 

Japan Airlines and Vietjet codeshare deal.

Last week Japan Airlines (JAL) and new-age airline Vietjet announced they will begin sales of their codeshare flights starting today, 23rd October.  The two airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding for commercial cooperation in 2017 and will now offer codeshare flights on domestic destinations in Vietnam and on international flights between Vietnam and Japan.

Based on the agreement, the two airlines will aim to expand their codeshare routes in the near future, including other flight services between Japan and Vietnam as well as JAL’s domestic flights, and Vietjet’s domestic flights.

- For travel starting 28th October 2018 (Codeshare flights are subject to government approval)

Applicable Routes Operated by Vietjet
Domestic Flights
- Ho Chi Minh=Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh=Da Nang
- Hanoi=Da Nang
International Flights
- Kansai=Hanoi (from November 8th)

Vietjet is the largest domestic airline in Vietnam with an expanding flight network across the country and Asia. In addition to the airline’s high-quality services, diverse ticket classes, and affordable tickets, Vietjet also brings its passengers memorable flying experiences on new aircraft with comfortable seats and up to nine delicious hot meals served by the carrier’s friendly cabin crew, and many other attractive added-on services.

As a new-age carrier, it offers also higher-class service called “SkyBoss”, which has been very well received among passengers expecting quality services.

(Images JAL)

Thales to provide in-flight entertainment systems on Vietnam Airlines 787s and A350s

Photo Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines has chosen Thales to equip their new B787-10 Dreamliner aircraft with the state-of-the-art AVANT in-flight entertainment system. The airline has grown to become a prestigious airline in the region thanks to the strength of its modern fleet and extensive network of routes. Vietnam Airlines flies to 50 destinations in 17 countries. The carrier is recognized as a 4-Star Airline for three consecutive years by the UK-based international air transport rating organisation SKYTRAX. 

This agreement expands the existing partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Thales. The airline has previously chosen Thales AVANT IFE system for their A350-900 XWB-and B787-9 aircraft. In collaboration with VAECO, Thales also provides turn-key maintenance services on these aircraft. Thales's turn-key maintenance program guarantees exceptional services across the airline's fleet, enabling Vietnam Airlines to focus on its core business activities.

Vietnam Airlines and Aeroflot sign agreement for codeshare deal

The leading air carriers of Russia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two with a codeshare arrangement.

Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines signed a special Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the ties between the two aviation leaders.  This MoU indicates that starting in 2019 the airlines will codeshare on domestic routes in Russia and Vietnam and also be expanding their cooperation over several areas of business.

Both airlines are members of the Sky Team global airlines alliance and believe the codeshare deal with help drive new passengers into their respective networks.  The agreement signed on 7th September marks the 25th anniversary of Vietnam Airlines’ services to Russia. The Executive Vice President of  Vietnam Airlines, Trinh Ngoc Thanh “The MoU takes our cooperation further in the direction of a solid and mutually beneficial partnership, offering customers a wider choice of travel options and world-class quality of two leading 4-Star airlines.” 

Aeroflot operates nine flights per week on routes between Moscow and Vietnam with a daily flight to Hanoi and a twice-weekly service to Ho Chi Minh city, utilizing Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Vietnam Airlines offers three direct flights per week between Hanoi and Moscow, operated on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. 

Vietnam Airlines, the fastest growing flag carrier in Southeast Asia, expands partnership with Sabre

Vietnam Airlines and Sabre Corporation are delighted to announce an expanded agreement which reaffirms their long-term partnership. The carrier will leverage the breadth of SabreSonic, Sabre's passenger service system (PSS) that Vietnam Airlines is now operating on, to improve its retailing, distribution and fulfilment capabilities.

Vietnam Airlines A321 lands on the wrong - unfinished - runway

An urgent investigation is underway into how an experienced flight crew of a Vietnam Airlines Airbus landed on the wrong closed runway at Trang Cam Ranh International Airport on Sunday.

The flight, VN7344 from Ho Chi Minh City had 203 passengers and 7 crew aboard when it landed at a runway that was closed as it was still under construction - and not connected rest of the airport's taxiways. 

At the time of the incident, the weather was fine and there were no reported problems on the Airbus A321, which rules out the need an urgent emergency landing on a non-operational runway.  However, during the landing, some debris was sucked into the engines causing minor damage. 

Vietnam Airlines have reportedly suspended the flight crew while an urgent investigation is carried out into what lead the US pilot to put his aircraft on the wrong landing strip.  It's not clear how the retrieval of the aircraft will take place at the present time and an engineering team is inspecting the damage. 

12th Airbus A350-900 for Vietnam Airlines

VN-A897 is the registration of the latest Airbus A350 aircraft to join the fleet of Vietnam Airlines recently and has already been put to use on the Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City route.
This is the 12th out of total 14 Airbus A350-900 aircraft that the carrier has ordered from the European manufacturer. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled for delivery during 2019 and will be put into service without delay. 

This latest addition to the Vietnam Airlines fleet is the first Airbus A350 to be adorned with SkyTeam alliance titles across the fuselage. The executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The unified livery demonstrates the vision and mission of Vietnam Airlines in the international integration, bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other airlines and global alliances to bring increased benefits to customers." - “The special paint scheme is also part of Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing effort to provide a new flying experience to passenger and continuously accomplish its goal of becoming Asia’s largest airline.”
A spokesperson for SkyTeam said they were “Extra proud that the A350 will fly the SkyTeam livery around the world."  Adding that "Vietnam Airlines was a highly valued member of the alliance"