Vietnam Airlines increases flights from Heathrow

From 25 October, 2015, Vietnam Airlines will operate a total of three nonstop flights per week to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines is the only airline to offer direct flights between the UK and Vietnam - it also currently flies three-times weekly to Hanoi. Departure times from Heathrow have also been brought forward to 11.00, therefore, flight VN50 will depart Heathrow on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11.00, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 06.00 the next day. In the opposite direction, flight VN51 will leave Ho Chi Minh City at 01.00 and arrive in London at 07.15. During Summer 2016, flight frequencies from Heathrow are planned to increase to a daily service to meet demand. All of Vietnam Airlines’ nonstop services between Heathrow and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City are now being operated by the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Vietnam Airlines are the first airline to operate the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner non-stop between Southeast Asia and Europe. A total of 19 Boeing 787s are being delivered to Vietnam Airlines by early 2019, as part of a major fleet upgrade which also includes 14 Airbus A350-900 XWBs. The new aircraft will replace the airline’s entire fleet of widebody aircraft, dramatically enhancing its product offering while also maintaining its cost-effectiveness on long-haul and intercontinental routes. The new B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will feature fully flat beds in Business Class, with in-flight WiFi services also set to be introduced. Return fares from Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi currently start from £400 or £430 per person respectively, inclusive of taxes.