(Hanoi, October 8, 2019) Beginning October 10, 2019, for the first time in Vietnam, passengers can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi accessibility on several flights operated by Vietnam Airlines. This is an exciting step for the flag carrier towards embedding digital technology in its products and services to enhance customer experience, reaching closer towards international 5-star quality standards while becoming a digital airline.

Passengers can now experience Wi-Fi service on selected Airbus A350 aircraft on routes between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Osaka as well as between Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka, Singapore. The airline will continue its research to develop this service on Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 with better speed and accessibility.

“With the goal of becoming a digital airline, Vietnam Airlines continues to take the lead in adopting information technology to bring customers added service. By providing the first in-flight Wi-Fi service in Vietnam, we hope to bring passengers a brand-new experience and convenience by allowing internet usage during the flight,” said Le Hong Ha - Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines.

Wi-Fi service is best suited for texting purposes through common texting applications such as Viber, iMessage, Messenger, Whatsapp, and so forth, allowing passengers to exchange and access information regularly while on-board. Such service delivery represents concerted efforts by the carrier to match the developmental trends of the world’s aviation industry, as some other 5-star airlines currently offer similar services including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Lufthansa.

With affordable prices ranging from $2.95 - $29.95 USD, Vietnam Airlines passengers can choose their ideal package based on their desired usage length, and data capacity (up to 80MB). Passengers simply make their selection and pay online via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, or Diners Club credit cards once the aircraft completes its ascent. The registered package is valid until the end of the journey and can be used on a variety of device platforms but cannot be used on multiple devices at the same.

To help passengers to identify flights equipped with Wi-Fi service, Vietnam Airlines will notify passengers at the check-in counters, through signage at the aircraft gate, service manuals at the front seat bag on the aircraft, and also through in-flight announcements.  

From October to the end of December 2019, as part of the launch of this new service, Vietnam Airlines will offer each passenger 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi use applicable to the in-flight ‘messaging service’ package.

This in-flight Wi-Fi option helps Vietnam Airlines to better fulfill its modern and differentiated service chain over other locally competing carriers. Previously, Vietnam Airlines was also a pioneer in providing wireless streaming services on the Airbus A321neo fleet. Moving forward, Vietnam Airlines will continue to expedite upgrades to its services on other flights, as well as further invest into advanced technologies and the development of high-quality products and services, all to provide the most enjoyable experience possible for its passengers.