The first Airbus A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines, in airline’s distinctive blue and gold lotus livery, completed its first flight in Tou...
The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, including cabin completion, as well as further ground and flight tests.
The aircraft, which will be leased from AerCap, is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year.
The National carrier will become the first Asian airline to fly the A350 XWB and the second operator in the world. Vietnam Airlines will acquire 14 A350 XWBs, including ten on order from Airbus and four under lease agreements.
The carrier will operate its A350 XWB fleet on premium long haul routes, beginning with services between Hanoi and Paris.
The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for airlines. The A350 XWB had received 780 Firm orders from 40 customers at the end of April 2015.
The first A350 was delivered to Qatar Airways in December 2014.
Vietnam Airlines also marked another milestone in its major fleet upgrade program, with the first of its new Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner, completing maiden flight on May 27.
With the planned fleet of 19 Boeing 787s and 14 Airbus A350-900 XWBs, Vietnam Airlines will also become the second airline in world to operate both Boeing and Airbus’ latest next-generation aircraft, simultaneously.
