Vietnam Airlines enters new era with first Airbus A350
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Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350 aircraft, marking the start of a new era of long-haul travel for the national carrier.
In a major revamp of its international fleet, Vietnam Airlines has ordered 14 A350s and 19 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, all of which will feature new cabin products and modern in-flight entertainment systems.
The first A350-900 aircraft was delivered this week and comes fitted with 305 seats in three-class layout, including 29 flat-bed seats in business class, 45 seats in premium economy and 231 in economy. The aircraft will enter commercial service later this week on the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City route, before commencing long-haul flights from Hanoi to Paris.
Vietnam Airlines becomes the first East Asian airline to operate the A350 and only the second carrier in the world, following Qatar Airways, which launched the jet earlier this year.
“The arrival of the A350 XWB (extra wide-body) marks the start of a major upgrade of our long-haul fleet,” said Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Vietnam Airlines’ executive vice president of commercial. “Combining the latest technologies, a wider cabin and the highest levels of comfort, the A350 XWB will enable us to fly our passengers in style whichever class of travel they choose.
“We are proud to be the second airline in the world to receive the A350 XWB aircraft which is a step forward that helps us to fulfil our commitment to ‘reach further’,” he added.
Fabrice Brégier, Airbus‘ president & CEO, commented; “We are proud to see Vietnam Airlines become the second airline in the world to operate the A350 XWB. We are confident that the all-new A350 XWB will enable Vietnam Airlines to consolidate its position as one of Asia’s leading international carriers, bringing its passengers the best the industry has to offer.”
Vietnam Airlines’ first B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will also be delivered this summer, and will be deployed on the airline’s London Heathrow routes. These aircraft will be configured with either 274 seats in a three-class layout or 311 seats in a two-class configuration.
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