Hanoi, 22 October 2019 - Today, Vietnam Airlines was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Truong Hoa Binh for the welcoming ceremony of the 100th aircraft operated by Vietnam Airlines.
The 100th aircraft is the third out of eight Boeing 787-10’s to be delivered between August 2019 to March 2021. The airline’s first two aircraft have shown remarkable efficiency by operating more than 140 flights, with approximately 83,000 passengers on the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam – Korea routes.
“Delivery of our 100th aircraft has affirmed our leading position coupled with owning the largest fleet in Vietnam, and ranking among the top Asia - Pacific airlines. This opens up new development opportunities for Vietnam Airlines on its quest to leverage Vietnam’s aviation industry among leading airlines in the region and the world,” said Mr. Pham Ngoc Minh, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vietnam Airlines.
“This milestone delivery is a great symbol of the rising fortunes of Vietnam Airlines. The carrier has grown steadily and profitably as it has connected Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other great cities with the world. At Boeing, we are honored to be long-standing partners of Vietnam Airlines, from the lease of three 767-300ERs nearly 25 years ago to the delivery of the most efficient wide-body airplane today, the 787-10 Dreamliner,” said Mr. Ihssane Mounir, Senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company. He continued, “Congratulations to the Vietnam Airlines team. We are excited to deliver additional 787-10 aircraft to complement your 787-9 airplanes in opening up even more travel possibilities for your customers.”
For over a quarter of a century, the robust growth in fleet size denoted the development of Vietnam Airlines from the first military transport aviation unit in Vietnam to a leading airline in the region. With a fleet of mainly combat aircraft manufactured by the Soviet Union, Vietnam Airlines quickly took the delivery of modern Boeing and Airbus aircraft and put them into operation to meet commercial transportation demand.
Vietnam Airlines owns the second-largest wide-body fleet Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleet in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top airlines in Asia - Pacific, comprising 14 Airbus A350-900s, 11 Boeing 787-9 and 3 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. While the wide-body fleet plays a crucial role in domestic and international routes, the narrow-body fleet of 52 Airbus A321, 14 Airbus A321neo, and 6 ATR-72 have been effectively utilized on low-capacity and short distance routes or at airports with limited infrastructure.
The new generation fleet does not only supplement Vietnam’s national security and defense but also helps Vietnam Airlines strengthen its operational efficiency thanks to its reduced fuel consumption and emissions as well as service quality. With the goal of achieving the 5-Star international status, Vietnam Airlines will continue its journey of fleet renewal by replacing outdated aircraft of over 12 years old with new generation narrow-body and regional jets.