Vietnam Airlines

  About Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is the official national flag carrier of Vietnam. The airline came into existence in 1956 as an independent entity which was later established by the government in 1989 to become a state-owned enterprise. The airline's headquarters is located in Long Biên District, Hanoi and its hubs are at Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Vietnam Airlines currently caters to about 64 destinations spread across 17 countries. These exclude the services that fall under codeshare agreements. Ever since its genesis right up to the early 1990s, the airline was a minor carrier that catered within the aviation industry. Various factors, such as the socio-economic conditions and the political situation of Vietnam, obstructed the airline's capabilities to charter more flights. However, eventually, as the government of Vietnam normalised its ties with the United States following the Vietnam War, the airline was finally able to expand its operations and improve a slew of its facilities. They further worked on modernising its fleet too and cater to more international routes and domestic routes.

In 1996, the government of Vietnam accumulated 20 service companies to form the Vietnam Airlines Corporation. Vietnam Airlines became the focal point for the airline corporation with a majority of expansion plans centred around it. In 2010, the Airlines Corporation underwent a restructuring as a limited liability company with it being rebranded as Vietnam Airlines Company Limited. Currently, the operations and management are taken care of by a group of board members appointed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister to oversee the company. Vietnam Airlines has played a pivotal role in contributing to the economic development of the country. The airline corporation owns 100 per cent of Vietnam Air Service Company, a regional airline that is based out of southern Vietnam. Simultaneously, the airline also owns 70 per cent of the shares in Jetstar Pacific Airlines, a low-cost carrier. Additionally, the corporation also makes its revenue from other subsidiaries. These include airline catering business as well as the maintenance, repair and overhauling of aircraft called Vietnam Airlines Caterers and Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company, respectively.

Vietnam Airlines has diversified its investment portfolios into a number of aircraft-leasing and airport ground-servicing industries. The airline also has a cargo division called Vietnam Airlines Cargo. In 2010, the airline became a member of the SkyTeam, making it Southeast Asian's first carrier to have joined the massive alliance airline. As of 2016, the State owns 86.16 per cent of stakes while All Nippon Airways has 8.77 per cent stakes. Over the years, the airline has also been recognised worldwide for its remarkable milestones and even services that have brought it honour and accolades. In 2016, Vietnam Airlines received a four-star rating from Skytrax for its warm hospitality and exquisite services. The airline received this honour for three years in a row. At the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City in 2016, Vietnam Airlines also received Best Airline of the year as per the Mekong region. Further, in 2016, the airline was also acknowledged by Skytrax as the World's Most Improved Airlines. It has been a fast-growing airline that continues to rake in more praise and reception.

Fleet size of Vietnam Airlines

As of 2020, Vietnam Airlines' fleet size stands at 102 aircraft. As of 2020, the airline operates a mixed fleet of Airbus, Boeing and ATRs. Presently, the airline has 51 Airbus A321-200s, 20 Airbus A321neos, 14 Airbus A350-900s, 11 Boeing 787-9s, 3 Boeing 787-10 and 3 ATR 72-500s. In the past, ever since the airline's genesis, it has worked with a slew of aircraft that include manufactured products from American, Soviet and European companies. Having retired all of its Russian-made aircraft, the airline currently accommodates Boeing, Airbus and ATR aircraft. Some of the aircraft that the airline had as part of its fleet include Aero Ae-45, Antonov An-2, Antonov An-24, Douglas DC-3, Tupolev Tu-134A, Yakovlev Yak-40, Ilyushin II-14G, Ilyushin IL-18D, Fokker 70, to name a few. These aircraft do not function under the Vietnam Airlines banner anymore. Along with them, there are a few Airbus and Boeing aircraft too that have been retired. They are Airbus A300-600, Airbus A310-200, Airbus A321-100, Airbus A330-300, Boeing 707-320, Boeing 727-200, Boeing 767-200ER, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200ER and more. The present fleet helps the airline's operations catering to its domestic routes and international routes as well.

Baggage Allowance

Vietnam Airlines' baggage allowance for hand luggage is quite generous. The airline allows about 18 kg of weight for business class passengers, who are allowed to carry two pieces of baggage on board along with an accessory bag. The total weight of all the bags should not exceed 18 kg, as mentioned. Meanwhile, passengers of the premium economy class are also given the same benefits as that of the business class. The bags allowed are two pieces along with an accessory bag, and the whole hand baggage collectively should weigh not more than 18 kg. Economy class passengers are allowed to carry one piece of baggage along with an accessory bag, and the collective weight of the onboard luggage should be under 12 kg. The dimension for the baggage should fall within the limits of 56 X 23 X 36cm for the overhead bin bag while the accessory bag should be within 30 X 15 X 40cm. As for checked baggage, the airline permits a maximum of 32 kg for business class passengers. The premium economy and economy class baggage weight should not exceed 23 kg. The dimension that the passenger should adhere to should be less than a total of 158 cm.

In-flight services

Vietnam Airlines has enhanced its in-flight services to ensure that the passengers onboard receive the best treatment and enjoy a wholesome trip. For the same, the aircraft seating has been designed with the best and most comfortable products. The seats have decent legroom with the option to upgrade depending on the ticket type. The in-flight services also include phenomenal in-flight meal service. You can get the best of Vietnamese food onboard even before you reach the country.

Popular routes and top cities for Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines has an extensive network of flights connecting to domestic routes and international routes. The airline has dedicated flights to Southeast Asia, Oceania, Europe and East Asia. On a daily basis, Vietnam Airlines deploys 300 flights that fly to over 21 domestic route destinations and 43 international route cities. The airline has traditionally increased its flights within the Vietnam borders thanks to the heavy demands that the airline has witnessed for domestic routes. It is especially on high demand during the T?t celebration. The period between late January and mid-February witnesses tremendous passenger footfall in Vietnam as celebrations commence.

In fact, during the celebratory days of T?t celebration, the airline witnessed a 41 per cent growth in-flight demands. Additionally, the airline also has codeshare agreements with multitudes of airlines to connect to other routes, some including cities in North America. Some of the airlines include Aeroflot, Air France, Air Europa, All Nippon Airways, Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Jetstar Pacific, Kenya Airways, China Southern Airlines, El Al, Alitalia, KLM, Middle East Airlines, Philippines, Korean Air, Garuda Indonesia, Qantas, Saudia, XiamenAir and Lao Airlines.

Why travel by Vietnam Airlines?

Vietnam Airlines has expanded tremendously since its inception. While it does have a few decent domestic route connectivity, it's expansion plans to become a popular airline in the Southeast Asian space has worked in its favour. Although Vietnam Airlines' fleet mostly comprises narrow-body aircraft, they do have a few Airbus A350-900s that aim to add to the comfortable experience of the passengers on board. The airline codeshare agreements with multiple major airlines in the world has further made it easy for passengers to opt for Vietnam Airlines for travelling. With the extensive number of important airlines in the codeshare agreements, Vietnam Airlines is able to connect with a slew of international route destinations automatically. This only adds to its benefits and gives prospective passengers a reason to choose the airline.

Further, intending to add to the convenience of the passengers, the airline has made much of its available facilities online. These include booking a Vietnam Airlines flight ticket on their website without any hassle. Passengers might receive some discounts and combo deals too depending on their travel route and peak season. Simultaneously, the airline also has other details such as flight status and Vietnam Airlines' flight schedules available on the website. Passengers can do web check-ins and reduce their time in the airport. The airline's lounge facilities are also quite top-notch and perfect. However, accessibility to these lounges is only possible for a handful of passengers who are premium flyers or are part of their miles club.

With such extensive facilities along with immaculate in-flight services, the airline is easily one of the best to pick for passengers. The airline is especially perfect for those who are visiting within the domestic routes during the T?t celebration.