Vietnam Airlines offers Inmarsat inflight connectivity
Four of the national flag carrier’s Airbus A350 aircraft are now connected and passengers can access the service using SITAONAIR’s portal, which has been specifically customised to reflect Vietnam Airlines’ own branding requirements.
Vietnam Airlines first with inflight connectivity in Vietnam
The airline is the first in Vietnam to offer inflight connectivity and the service will eventually be offered to passengers across its aircraft fleet.
“With the goal of becoming a digital airline, Vietnam Airlines continues to take the lead in adopting information technology to bring customers added service,” commented Le Hong Ha, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. “By providing the first in-flight Wi-Fi service in Vietnam, we hope to bring passengers convenience and a brand new experience by enabling internet usage during the flight.”
In July 2015, Vietnam Airlines became the first airline in Southeast Asia, and only the second airline worldwide, to operate the next generation Airbus A350-900. Over the past four years, its A350-900 fleet has served over 30 domestic and international routes, primarily comprising of transcontinental routes to Europe, Australia and Northeast Asia, plus domestic flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Airbus A350-900 features a spacious cabin, higher ceilings, larger windows, more leg room, fully lie-flat Business Class seats, and an upgraded entertainment system with a larger screen.
Katrina Korzenowski, SITAONAIR’s Commercial Regional VP Asia-Pacific, explained that passengers flying with Vietnam Airlines will now be able to keep in touch with their loved ones and maximise business travel time.
“SITAONAIR is proud to deliver a truly innovative and forward-thinking inflight connectivity experience to realise Vietnam Airlines’ modernisation ambitions,” she said. “The ability to utilise our brand-defining, customisable interfaces will surely reinforce VN’s standing as the most recognisable airline in Vietnam.”
Partnering with Inmarsat satellite telecommunications operator VISHIPEL has been integral to delivering this first-of-its-kind solution for the region. VISHIPEL has played an important role in Vietnam’s national development strategy for information and communication, and this regional expertise, together with SITAONAIR’s industry experience, has ensured that services are tailored for the Vietnamese market.
