14 NEWS ADVERTORIAL Opening New Routes to the Far East Vietnam Airlines now flying Airbus A350 to SE Asia – scooping numerous international awards Vietnam Airlines arrive at this year’s ITBBerlin with more than one reason to offer a broad Asian smile. At the recent CAPA (Asia Pacific Aviation & Corporate Travel) Summit in Singapore, Vietnam Airlines was awarded the airline of the year. The prize was awarded to the Vietnamese airline due to its rapid growth, high profitability and its successful partial privatisation. According to CAPA, Vietnam Airlines, with a growth rate of 19% in passenger numbers in the year 2016, was the fastest-growing state air carrier in Southeast Asia and one of the fastest-growing full-service airlines in the world. Compared to the previous year, the airline recorded a profit increase of 6.7%. The airline was also recognised at global level with two other prestigious awards: ‘World’s Leading Cultural Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline - Premium Economy Class’ by World Travel Awards at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2017. The awards were received by Mr Le Hong Ha, Vietnam Airlines’ Executive Vice President. Graham E Cooke, Founder and President, World Travel Awards said: “A well-deserved congratulations to Vietnam Airlines on their success at the 24th annual World Travel Awards. ‘World’s Leading Cultural Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline - Economy Class’ are two prestigious international awards that place Vietnam Airlines firmly at the top of the travel industry. I hope their recognition, both by their peers and members of the public, will inspire them to aim ever higher in the pursuit of excellence.” Le Hong Ha, Executive Vice President, Vietnam Airlines said, “We are very honoured to receive the two prestigious awards at the same time. Last year we were Asia’s leading airline in two categories - ‘Asia’s leading airline - economy class’ and ‘Asia’s leading cultural airline’, so this year’s awards are definitely a giant leap - a testament to our commitment to bring the best of Vietnamese culture into the world’s most modern aircraft, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB-900.” This year, Vietnam Airlines also ranked 14th among the 20 best premium class airlines in the world by Skytrax. Vietnam Airlines’ Premium economy class is available for both Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 on routes between Vietnam and the UK, France, Germany, Australia and Japan, offering generous legroom as well as near-flat reclining seats, bringing increased convenience. Priority on-ground assistance is available to Premium Economy passengers, saving time with seat selection, check-in, baggage handling and gate boarding. From 2018, fast track services for Premium Economy passengers, including priority security lane and immigration lane, will be available at several Vietnamese as well as international airports. NEW FOR 2018: VIETNAM AIRLINES WITH AIRBUS A350 AND INCREASED FLIGHT FREQUENCIES Vietnam Airlines launched the new Airbus A350-900 XWB (eds: Extra Wide Body) on routes from Frankfurt to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from January 2, 2018. Seven aircraft of this type have already been delivered and fly from Vietnam to Paris (France), Shangai (China) and Incheon (South Korea) as well as to Kansai and Tokyo (Japan). In total, Vietnam Airlines has ordered 14 Airbus A350, which will be delivered up to 2019. The airline has also increased flight frequencies from Frankfurt from nine to ten flights per week, meaning in 2018, Vietnam Airlines flies six times a week to Hanoi and four times a week to Ho Chi Minh City. Both flight routes are travelled nonstop in a flight time of about 10.5 hours. The A350 XWB benefits from being built with over 70% advanced materials; combining carbon composites (53%), titanium and modern aluminium alloys, to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft while also reducing maintenance requirements. The Vietnam Airlines A350 is equipped with a total of 305 seats: Business class has 29 seats and the economy class is equipped with 240 seats, while there are 36 seats in the award-winning premium economy class. The A 350 therefore offers 10% more capacity compared to the 787 Dreamliner used previously Vietnam Airlines will receive four A350’s in 2018, 2019 and eight Boeing 787-10’s leased by ALC in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The company will receive 20 A321 NEOs leased by ICBC, ACG and ALC during 2018-2019 VNA’s fleet will include 110 aircraft by 2020 and 150 aircraft by 2030, all of which are modern and fuelefficient. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 1 st March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
