Vietnam Airlines revealed back-to-back the two newest aircraft additions to its fleet, the B787 Dreamliner and the A350 XWB, both of which are scheduled to begin services mid-year.
Onboard the B787, business-class passengers enjoy a 1-2-1 configuration, which means every one of the 28 seats have direct aisle access. With a 107-centimeter pitch, seats can lie fully flat and come equipped with in-seat stowage, 39-inch touch-screen HD-monitors, Wi-Fi, inflight texting, USB connectivity, and universal power outlets. Air quality is improved too, with double filtered air and updated cabin humidity controls.
The B787 will feature the same Premium Economy Class that already exists on the airline’s European route, which comprises 35 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. A step up from standard economy, each seat offers 107-centimeter pitches, 27-centimeter touchscreen TVs, leg support, and a deep recline. Although Economy Class has a tighter 3-3-3 configuration for its 211 seats, passengers still enjoy more space than before with a 81-centimeter pitch, not to mention 27-centimeter touchscreen TVs.
The details of the A350 XWB are a bit more elusive (though Vietnam will be the first in Asia to operate this aircraft), but the airline has announced that it will be outfitted with Sogerma Solstys seats in Business Class, a familiar option for those who have flown with Iberia, Emirates or Etihad. Like the B787, Business Class is configured into 1-2-1 seat arrangements, but unlike the new Dreamliner, seats (located in the front end of the aircraft) are forward facing. Directly behind Business Class, Deluxe Economy seats will be offered, details of which have not yet been released, though the design is expected to be identical to that on the B787. The rest of the aircraft goes to Economy Class, which will be outfitted with in-seat TVs.
For more information, visit Vietnam Airlines.