Vietnam Airlines receives first Airbus A350-900

The carrier plans to first deploy the aircraft on the key Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route, before moving to international services such as Hanoi-Paris, says Airbus.

The aircraft is configured with 305 seats across three classes, with 29 business, 45 premium-economy and 231 economy seats.

Arrival of the A350 XWB marks the start of a major upgrade of our long haul fleet,” adds the airline’s executive vice-president commercial Trinh Ngoc Thanh.

“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’.”

Flightglobal’s Ascend Fleets database shows that the aircraft, which will be leased from AerCap, bears the registration VN-A886. Vietnam Airlines holds orders for 10 A350-900s with another four being taken from leasing companies.