Vietnam Airlines became the latest operator of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner – the longest varient of the Boeing 787 family
The first aircraft has been delivered via Air Lease Corporation, who will be supplying the rest of the 787-10 fleet.
The aircraft is configured with 24 Business Class seats and 343 Economy Class seats and will be used on the Vietnam Airlines network where there are capacity pinches.
Vietnam Airlines already operates the smaller Boeing 787-9 (11 in the fleet) as well as 14 Airbus A350-900. The airline currently has orders for 8 of the type to compliment the 11 Boeing 787-9’s currently in the fleet.
What does the extra length between a 787-9 and a 787-10 get you? Around 40 more seats and the cargo space to go with it. This is complemented with the range it can cover, rated at 6,430 nautical miles (11,910 km).
In quotes
Pham Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines said
“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,”
“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.”
Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation added
“ALC is extremely pleased to announce this important first 787-10 delivery to Vietnam Airlines with Boeing and be the first lessor to introduce the airline to the -10,”
“This first of eight 787-10s from ALC will significantly contribute to Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing major widebody fleet upgrade with the latest technology. ALC values our long-time role as an advisor when planning the growth and replacement of Vietnam Airlines’ fleet to maintain the airline’s leading position in Southeast Asia and worldwide.”
Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing of The Boeing Company said
“Vietnam Airlines has achieved impressive growth in recent years and helped power the rapid rise of commercial aviation in Southeast Asia. We see even greater potential ahead and the 787-10 brings the perfect combination of size and efficiency for Vietnam Airlines to serve high-demand routes, while the longer-range 787-9 delivers the flexibility to connect the world’s major cities with popular destinations in Vietnam and surrounding countries,”
“We are excited to partner once again with ALC to bring a state-of-the-art airplane to a valued customer. We are confident the 787-10 will help Vietnam Airlines continue to grow its regional and international network and improve its award-winning service.”
Entry into service has not been highlighted yet, nor the first routes announced – but as the Boeing 787-10 should have the same familiarity that a Boeing 787-9 has (save range), expect to see it flying sooner rather than later with the Vietnam Airlines.
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