Vietnam Airlines begins new chapter with A350s, 787s. Are 777-8Xs and a strategic investor next?

Vietnam Airlines has placed into service its first batch of 787-9s and A350-900s, enabling it to begin implementing a major widebody fleet renewal programme. Vietnam Airlines is only the second operator of the A350 worldwide and the successful introduction of two new-generation widebody aircraft types within only one month is a major accomplishment for a relatively small long-haul carrier.

The 787s and A350s are initially intended as replacements but there will be opportunity for some modest growth in the short term including a new route from Sydney to Hanoi. The Vietnamese flag carrier is also now looking at other new widebody types, including ultra long-range variants that would be used to launch non-stop services to North America. Vietnam Airlines has been looking at the 777-8X but could instead emerge, along with Singapore Airlines, as a launch customer for the proposed A350-900ER.

The biggest benefit of the new widebody fleet is increased efficiency and product improvements, including the carrier's first lie-flat business class seat. The enhancements could help Vietnam Airlines attract a strategic investor after an initial attempt to sell a stake to a foreign airline as part of its late 2014 initial public offering did not succeed.