Vietnam Airlines Begins In-Flight Connectivity Journey With Airbus A350 Installations
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Vietnam Airlines is the first Vietnamese airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi.
Vietnam Airlines announced it is introducing in-flight connectivity to some aircraft in its fleet of Airbus A350s. Starting October 10, passengers on four of the airline’s 14 A350s will be able to access in-flight Wi-Fi. The airline said it plans to roll out the service to more aircraft in the near future, including its fleet of 13 Boeing 787s.
According to PaxEx.Aero, the airline is using a SITAONAIR connectivity system powered by Inmarsat SwiftBroadband’s L-Band satellites, rather than Inmarsat’s faster GX Aviation satellites. “With the goal of becoming a digital airline, Vietnam Airlines continues to take the lead in adopting information technology to bring customers added services. 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, Vietnam Airlines’ executive vice-president.
“By providing the first in-flight Wi-Fi service in Vietnam, we hope to bring passengers a brand-new experience.” €” Le Hong Ha, Vietnam Airlines
The service is available on flights connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai and Osaka, as well as flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka, and Singapore. Browsing packages for the new Wi-Fi service range from $2.95 for a basic messaging service, to $9.95 for 25 MB of data and $29.95 for 80 MB. However, from October until the end of December, the airline is offering its passengers 30 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi access that is restricted to messaging apps.
The airline installed identification panels at the entrance of the A350 to inform passengers that they are on board an aircraft that offers Wi-Fi. Information and instructions on how to connect to the Wi-Fi system will be available in seatback pockets, and announcements about the availability of Wi-Fi will also be made over the intercom.