Vietnam Airlines Delivers Country’s First Inflight Connectivity

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.

A Vietnam Airlines 787 sits on the tarmac at DCA. Photo by Kim Stevens.

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.”