History of Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines was founded in January 1956 as Vietnam Civil Aviation, following the nationalization of Gia Lam Airport by the North Vietnamese government. The airline started with a small fleet of five propeller aircraft of IL 14, AN 2, and Aero 45.
After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, Vietnam Airlines was established as the national flag carrier and underwent significant expansion. In 1993, the airline became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and in 2006, it joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance.
Over the years, Vietnam Airlines has continued to expand its fleet and network, with a focus on international routes. Today, the airline operates to 64 destinations in 17 countries, using a fleet of over 100 aircraft, including Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and Airbus A321neo planes.
Corporate Structure
Management
Vietnam Airlines JSC is a state-owned flag carrier of Vietnam. The company has a board of directors and a supervisory board. The board of directors is responsible for making decisions on major issues such as business strategy, investment, and financial management. The supervisory board monitors the performance of the board of directors and ensures that the company complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Subsidiaries
Vietnam Airlines has several subsidiaries, including:
- Jetstar Pacific Airlines: a low-cost airline in Vietnam that Vietnam Airlines has a 70% stake in
- Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company: provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft
- Vietnam Airlines Caterers: provides catering services for Vietnam Airlines and other airlines
- Vietnam Airlines Ground Services: provides ground handling services for Vietnam Airlines and other airlines
These subsidiaries are strategically important for Vietnam Airlines to provide a full range of services to its customers and maintain its competitive edge in the aviation industry.
Fleet Overview
Vietnam Airlines operates a fleet of 94 aircraft, with an average age of 1 year. The backbone of the fleet consists of 68 Airbus narrowbodies, 48 of which are examples of the older A321ceo model (11.8 years old on average) and 20 next-generation A321neos with an average age of 4.2 years. The airline also operates six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 12 Airbus A350-900s, and eight ATR72-500s for regional flights.
Vietnam Airlines has a firm order for eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with the first delivery scheduled for 2022. The airline has also announced plans to retire all of its ATR72-500s by 2025 and replace them with regional jets.
The airline’s Airbus A350-900s are used for long-haul flights to destinations such as London, Paris, and Sydney. The aircraft features a three-class configuration, including 29 lie-flat seats in business class, 45 seats in premium economy, and 231 seats in economy.
Overall, Vietnam Airlines’ fleet is modern and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and reliable travel experience for passengers.
Destinations Served
Vietnam Airlines serves 22 domestic destinations and 43 international destinations in 18 countries as of July 2023.
Domestic Destinations
Vietnam Airlines operates flights to major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and more. Other popular domestic destinations include Hue, Dong Hoi, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.
International Destinations
Vietnam Airlines flies to several international destinations in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Some of the popular international destinations include Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, and London. Vietnam Airlines also operates flights to several other destinations in Europe, including Paris, Frankfurt, and Moscow.
Vietnam Airlines has codeshare agreements with several airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM, which allows passengers to fly to even more destinations around the world.
In-Flight Services
Vietnam Airlines offers a range of in-flight services to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable journey. In this section, we will discuss two of the main in-flight services offered by Vietnam Airlines: In-Flight Entertainment and Catering Services.
In-Flight Entertainment
Vietnam Airlines provides a variety of entertainment options to keep passengers entertained during their flight. Passengers can enjoy a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games on the personal screens located in the seat backs. The airline also offers a selection of magazines and newspapers for passengers to read during their flight.
Catering Services
Vietnam Airlines offers a variety of meals to suit different dietary requirements and preferences. Passengers can choose from a range of Asian and Western dishes, including vegetarian and halal options. The airline also offers a selection of complimentary drinks, including soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase on board.
Overall, Vietnam Airlines’ in-flight services are designed to make passengers’ flying experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Customer Service
Vietnam Airlines is committed to providing safe and friendly air transportation to its customers. The airline offers a range of services to ensure the comfort and convenience of its passengers.
Customers can contact Vietnam Airlines’ 24/7 customer care center by calling 1900 1100 or Golden Lotus Member hotline 1900 1800 for advice and assistance on using the airline’s services. The airline also provides a Helpdesk Center on its website where customers can find information on flight schedules, buy tickets, and access additional services.
Vietnam Airlines’ Customer Service Plan outlines the airline’s commitment to its customers. The plan includes provisions for accommodating passengers with disabilities, handling flight delays and cancellations, and ensuring the safety and security of all passengers. The airline also offers a loyalty program, Lotusmiles, which rewards frequent flyers with exclusive benefits and privileges.
Overall, Vietnam Airlines strives to provide excellent customer service and is dedicated to meeting the needs of its passengers.
Awards and Recognition
Vietnam Airlines has received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding service and commitment to safety.
In 2022, Vietnam Airlines was honored with the “Best Loyalty Program – Travel & Hospitality” award at the Loyalty & Engagement Awards organized by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. The airline’s frequent flyer program, Lotusmiles, received the Bronze medal in this category.
Vietnam Airlines also won two awards at the 2022 World Travel Awards. The airline was recognized as the “World’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class” and the “World’s Leading Cultural Airline.”
In addition, Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific were rated 7/7 stars for airline safety by AirlinesRatings, further demonstrating the airline’s commitment to safety and security.
These awards and recognitions are a testament to Vietnam Airlines’ dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its passengers.