The next generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bearing the distinctive blue and yellow lotus of the Vietnam's national flag carrier had a spectacular performance, taking off at an almost vertical angle at Bourget airport. Numerous guests at the event witnessed the performance that had wowed the world when Boeing released a rehearsal video on YouTube.
This is the first time an aircraft of Vietnam Airlines was showcased at a major exhibition.
Speaking to Radio the Voice of Vietnam after witnessing the performance, Vietnam Airlines General Director Pham Ngoc Minh expressed his joy and pride: "This is the first time Vietnam’s new aircraft performed at one of the world's largest aviation exhibitions in Paris. As part of Vietnam Airlines’ promotional programme, we have received help and co-operation from Boeing to introduce to the public and customers the Dreamliner fleet of Vietnam Airlines.”
He expressed his hope that this would be a new start for the enhanced quality and customer service that Vietnam Airlines has committed to with the Boeing 787-9 starting long-haul flights from Hanoi and HCM City to Heathrow, UK and Hanoi and HCM City to Frankfurt in November. In the coming months, Vietnam Airlines will use the new generation fleet on most long-haul flights to Europe and Australia.
The carrier plans to use a widebody fleet consisting of 33 aircrafts, including 19 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 14 Airbus A350. The aircraft in the demonstration is the first of 19 that Vietnam Airlines will buy and lease from the US plane maker. The formal transfer of the aircraft will be conducted in July.
For his part, Vice President in charge of sales at Boeing Commercial Airplanes Raymond Conner appreciated the co-operation between Boeing and Vietnam Airlines – an important reason for choosing the Vietnam Airlines’ aircraft to perform in the major exhibition.
Conner said the environmentally friendly Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner saves up to 20% in fuel compared to other aircrafts, offering solution to environmental protection. The selected plane carrying Vietnam Airlines’ logo represents strong collaboration between both parties, he affirmed.
With the Boeing 787-9 at the end of July and an Airbus A350 at the end of this month, Vietnam Airlines becomes the first airliner in Asia to simultaneously receive two of the most modern types of aircraft.
Nguyen Quoc Phuong, Director of Vietnam Airlines' European Office expressed his confidence in the growth prospects in the euro zone as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is put into operation in the near future, meeting European customers’ expectations and high demands for service quality.
Launched in 1909, the International Paris Air Show is the oldest aviation event and one of the world's largest international air shows to be held every two years. This year’s event attracted participants from about 2,260 units from nearly 50 countries and territories, prioritising fuel economy and environmental protection issues. On the opening day, several contracts totaling more than US$20 billion were signed.
