Vietnam Airlines (VN) is cementing its status as the country’s premier national carrier by becoming the first Vietnamese airline to offer inflight connectivity (IFC) – through a partnership with SITAONAIR and Inmarsat satellite telecommunications operator VISHIPEL.
The collaboration will see the delivery of pioneering inflight internet services across its fleet, offering digitally-demanding passengers the onboard connectivity they want, and enabling them to stay connected with work and family.
Partnering with long-standing Vietnamese satellite provider, VISHIPEL, has been integral to delivering this first-of-its-kind solution for the region. VISHIPEL has played an important role in Vietnam’s national development strategy for information and communication, and this regional expertise, together with SITAONAIR’s industry experience, has ensured that services are tailored for the Vietnamese market.
Inflight Wi-Fi is now available aboard four of Vietnam Airlines’ A350 aircraft, making VN the first airline in the country to offer onboard Wi-Fi to meet high regional demand, enhancing the passenger experience and moving closer towards international 5-star quality standards, while digitally transforming its services.
SITAONAIR’s best-in-class Internet ONAIR IFC portal will provide seamless Wi-Fi access to VN’s passengers, and enable exceptional levels of personalization and interactivity through customization, to reflect the airline’s own branding requirements.
“With the goal of digital transformation, 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 convenience and a brand new experience by enabling internet usage during the flight,” said Le Hong Ha, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines.
Katrina Korzenowski, Commercial Regional VP Asia-Pacific, SITAONAIR adds: “SITAONAIR is proud to deliver a truly innovative and forward-thinking inflight connectivity experience to realize Vietnam Airlines’ modernization ambitions. Passengers flying with VN will now be able to keep in touch with their loved ones and maximize business travel time. The ability to utilize our brand-defining, customizable interfaces will surely reinforce VN’s standing as the most recognizable airline in Vietnam.”
Phan Ngoc Quang, Chief Executive Officer of VISHIPEL, adds: “As a reputable and long-standing Inmarsat satellite telecommunications service provider in Vietnam, VISHIPEL is pleased to bring Vietnam Airlines’ passengers an IFC experience in cooperation with SITAONAIR. Satellite connection via a Wi-Fi hotspot onboard allows passengers to stay connected for work and entertainment. With a vision towards a connected world, VISHIPEL believes this IFC service will open up new opportunities for everyone.”
About SITAONAIR
SITAONAIR is the air travel industry’s trusted connected aircraft service expert, powering innovation with recognized expertise and future-proof solutions. With our unrivalled industry-backed heritage, SITAONAIR delivers the promises of the connected aircraft, empowering 400+ airlines, 60+ ANSPs and 17,000+ aircraft to navigate the complexity of connectivity with our best-in-class solutions and services for passengers, cockpit and cabin crew, flight operations, aircraft big data and air traffic management. We believe that embracing a digital shift will reinvent the operation of aircraft, flight and on-board experience – making it safer, more efficient and enjoyable.
SITAONAIR is a subsidiary of The SITA Group, the communications and IT solution provider that transforms air travel through technology for airlines, at airports and on aircraft.
About Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines – a member of SkyTeam Alliance – is the flag carrier of Vietnam and a major carrier in the South East Asia, operating 95 routes to 22 domestic and 29 international destinations, with an average of 400 flights per day. Vietnam Airlines is the first airline in the world to successfully operate both next-generation aircraft Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 XWB at the same time.
Skytrax – the world’s leading airline and airport rating organization – has ranked Vietnam Airlines as a 4-Star Airline for four consecutive years. Vietnam Airlines has spearheaded Vietnam’s aviation market – one of the fastest-growing domestic markets in the world – throughout 20 years of development at a double-digit annual growth rate. Positioning itself as a modern carrier with an internationally recognisable brand characterised by Vietnamese traditional culture, Vietnam Airlines aims to achieve 5-star status and become a major airline in Asia.
About VISHIPEL
Over 37 years of development and growth, VISHIPEL has been a reputable and long-standing Inmarsat satellite telecommunication service provider in Vietnam. VISHIPEL now covers all the on-land, at-sea and in-air markets. With extensive experience, VISHIPEL confidently brings customers valuable and high-quality services. The IFC service is one of the projects that reinforces VISHIPEL’s connecting network in all fields, and it believes its new digital technology products will bring customers convenience and satisfaction.
