By Binh Nguyen - The Saigon Times Daily
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| A Boeing 777-200ER of Vietnam Airlines sits at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Boeing aids the carrier in the interior upgrade of the aircraft of this type - Photo: Mong Binh |
HCMC - The U.S. airplane maker Boeing has partnered with Vietnam Airlines in a program to modernize the interior of the airline’s four 777-200ER aircraft in a bid to provide improved services for passengers.
Boeing said on its website that it supported the flagship carrier’s goal to improve its passenger service by increasing the overall passenger experience and comfort while continuing to expand the network.
As part of the partnership, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services developed a cabin layout for the discerning needs of the SkyTeam member airline and its passengers.
The interior upgrade program also covers relocation of business class seats, installation of new deluxe economy and economy class seats, and changes to the in-flight entertainment system and cabin cooling systems among other.
Vietnam Airlines has just put into service the first 777-200ER aircraft with the latest cabin interior modernization in line with the upgrade program. The carrier often uses the aircraft of this type for international flights to Germany’s Frankfurt and other long-haul destinations.
Nguyen Van Hung, executive vice president of technical at Vietnam Airlines, said the program offered passengers improved serviced and backed the airline on the way to higher rankings in the region.
“Our interior modernization program is a key part of our efforts to provide market leading services and passenger comfort, further affirming Vietnam Airlines’ position as a major carrier in Southeast Asia, especially after we joined SkyTeam,” Hung said.
Vietnam Airlines now operates more than 290 daily flights on 75 routes to 20 domestic and 26 international destinations. The Hanoi-headquartered airline is expanding its flight network as well as its aircraft fleet, from nearly 70 to 115 by 2015.
Dennis Floyd, vice president of fleet services for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted the program aided competitiveness enhancement for Vietnam Airlines.
“This interior upgrade will support Vietnam Airlines’ aggressive plan to continue to compete among the world’s leading carriers,” he said.
Both Boeing and Vietnam Airlines do not mention the cost of the interior upgrade program.