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Australia has become an all Boeing 787 destination for Vietnam Airlines after the Skyteam alliance member switched both its Melbourne and Sydney services to the next-generation Dreamliner.
Vietnam Airlines’ first 787 flight to Australia arrived on Friday morning, when VN781 operated by 787-9 VN-A865 touched down at Melbourne Tullamarine at about 0930, after an eight hour and 20 minute journey from Ho Chi Minh City. The route was previously served with Airbus A330-200 equipment.
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The airline is the eighth carrier to serve Melbourne Tullamarine with the 787 alongside Air India, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, United and Xiamen Airlines.
And Melbourne is due to get another 787 operator with LATAM announcing the start of Melbourne-Santiago nonstop flights from October 2017.
Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines’ first 787 service to Sydney arrived less than an hour after the flight to Melbourne landed.
Flight VN773, operated by 787-9 VN-A870, arrived at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport a little after 1010, with passengers taken on a scenic fly over Sydney Harbour prior to landing.
Vietnam Airlines previously operated Boeing 777-200ERs on the Ho Chi Minh City-Sydney route. The switch to the Dreamliner brings to nine the number of carriers operating the aircraft at Sydney – Vietnam Airlines joins Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Jetstar, LATAM Airlines, Scoot, United and Xiamen Airlines.
Qantas places its QF airline code on Vietnam Airlines’ two Australian routes.
Joseph Favazza
says:Well done VN, a great carrier.
Ben
says:Great news. I think Vietnam may have one of the best colour schemes out there and the 787 as an aircraft just seems to be going from strength to strength.
John Gibson
says:I see from this report that Vietnam Airlines has 10 Boeing 787-9 Aircraft !!! – Having had 2 long haul flights recently with Air Canada, from Brisbane to Vancouver – on this “superb” airplane, i would rate our latest flight experiences AT LEAST 50% BETTER than any of the scores of International Long Haul flights i have undertaken in the last 20 years ! – So Smooth & Quiet; and around 30% bigger area windows, with the light transparency of the glass adjustable by pressing a button ! – However, Qantas currently has “0” of this composite hull aircraft !! – However, its budget entity has had them for some years now !, Qantas currently continues to fly B747 – 400 aircraft from Brisbane to LAX !! – ( Dear Mr Qantas – you lost me years ago !!) – This aircraft also has the most “aerodynamically efficient wing” on any aircraft flying + the best & most fuel efficient – GE Engines, that I am aware of !
Stephen Kamens
says:It’s been a long time since I last saw an Air VietNam airliner. In fact, it’s been since 1968. When they flew DC-3’s
and DC 6’s. As above, they have a great coloration, and I’m glad to see them doing well.
Paul Khelley
says:I travel business class every month Melb to HCMC. I’ve been waiting for the 787s. Next trip to HCMC is on the 22nd Dec. It will be a refreshing change from the A330’s as they were getting tired and the beds were incline not flat.
Good on you Vietnam Airlines. Although I’ve seen a few negative comments in passenger reviews in more than 30 trips I’ve never had any issues. Keep up the good work. Great fare prices and a great airline to fly. with