Vietnam Airlines Rebrands, Launches New Fleet

Vietnam Airlines has rolled out a new corporate identity to coincide with the launch of a major fleet upgrade.

The Vietnam flag carrer, which has just seen the rollout of its first Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9, is to take 13 more A350s and 18 more 787s to replace its aging Boeing 777 and Airbus A340 aircraft.

The airline's new look was unveiled at a ceremony at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, and marks what the management calls "a major leap forward in [our] plans to establish [ourselves] as one of Asia's premier airlines by 2020."

The carrier is scheduled to receive eight newly rebranded aircraft during the remaining months of this year.

The airline's new image will see the implementation of a new logo and uniforms, new livery and new cabin specifications across its aircraft that will bring "modernity and uniformity ... dynamism, reform and development while respecting history and traditions," according to the airline.

Vietnam Airlines Pham Viet Thanh chairman said the company implemented the new brand to meet new demands, create differentials and add value to customers. "With the launch of our new corporate identity, we are determined to make Vietnam Airlines a strong airline, bringing ... a perfect blend of Vietnamese cultural traditions and state-of-the-art technologies," Thanh said.

The commissioning of the two newly liveried aircraft will mean Vietnam Airlines is the first Asian airline to operate both A350 XWB and 787 widebodies at the same time, and the first to operate 787-9 nonstop service between Southeast Asia and Europe.

Both A350 and 787 schedules are slated to start in September this year, with the A350 flying to Paris, and the 787 to London. Initial frequencies will rise from four flights to five or six flights per week between the European destinations and Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

The new corporate identity will extend beyond new aircraft and crew liveries to new-look departure lounges, ticket offices, check-in counters, labeling and signage.

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Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS