Vietnam Airlines becomes the 2nd Airbus A350 operator

Vietnam Airlines have taken delivery of their first Airbus A350 aircraft – and in turn, become the launch operator of the aircraft for Asia.

 
Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350 – Images, Airbus.

The first A350 for Vietnam Airlines is leased from AerCap, and will form the first of the cadre of 14 Airbus A350-900s that will operate for the airline.

The airline has configured their aircraft in a three class layout, split as:

• 29 Business Class flat bed seats in a staggered 1-2-1 layout (Stellia Aerospace Solstys)
• 45 seats in Premium Economy Seats in a 2-3-2 layout
• 231 in Economy Class Seats  in a 3-3-3 layout

Operationally, Vietnam Airlines won’t have their new A350  hanging around on the ground much as the aircraft is pressed into service on domestic routes initially between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Longer term, the A350s will be pressed into long haul services, initially operating Hanoi to Paris from the 30th September.

As Vietnam Airlines take delivery of the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 into their long haul fleet, the airline will look to expand and establish new routes and feeds.

For those of you with SkyTeam miles, this could make for an interesting redemption.

Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.

Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!

Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European readers