as London, the 787 provides us with a significant advantage in terms of efficiency,” Minh said. “And as demand for flights within and to-and-from the region continues to grow, the flexibility of the Dreamliner will help us cater to these different markets, profitably.” To enhance the passenger experience, Vietnam Airlines is upgrading its onboard features with in-flight texting; full-flat business-class seats; and extra leg room and large touch-screen TVs in economy class. In-flight Wi-Fi services also are set to be introduced. Vietnam Airlines began operations in 1956 with flights to Saigon (now called Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi. It will be the first Asian airline to operate both the 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900. Boeing’s relationship with the airline dates to 1995, when Vietnam Airlines leased three Boeing 767-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The companies made history in 2001 when Vietnam Airlines purchased four Boeing 777-200ERs—the first business transaction finalized under the Bilateral Trade Agreement normalizing U.S.-Vietnam relations. The airline currently operates eight 777-200ERs. In 2005, the airline was among the early customers to order the 787. Now, as it welcomes its first Dreamliner— golden lotus crowning the tail— Vietnam Airlines continues its journey toward enlightenment and perfection. “We are proud of our long relationship with Boeing,” Minh said. “With our new 787s, we look forward to a prosperous future together.” n joanna.pickup@boeing.com Photo: A close-up of a Vietnam Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner at last month’s Paris Air Show. To view a video of a Vietnam Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner rehearsal flight for the Paris Air Show, visit boeing.com/frontiers/video/july15. JuLy 2015 43
Frontiers July 2015 Issue
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