From Pilot Phase to Official Deployment

Prior to the official launch, Vietnam Airlines conducted pilot operations of inflight Internet beginning in August 2025 on selected international routes and a number of domestic services operated by Airbus A350 aircraft. This trial phase played a critical role in assessing system performance, passenger demand, and operational readiness under real flight conditions.

By the end of November 2025, more than 70,000 passengers had experienced the inflight Internet service during their journeys with Vietnam Airlines. The large number of users provided valuable data and insights, allowing the airline to fine-tune technical performance, user interfaces, pricing structures, and customer support processes before entering the official operational phase.

Passenger feedback during the pilot period was overwhelmingly positive. Many travelers praised the stability of the connection, noting that Internet speeds were sufficient to meet common needs such as sending and receiving emails, browsing websites, and sharing images. The ability to remain connected throughout the flight significantly enhanced productivity for business travelers and provided greater convenience and comfort for leisure passengers.

These results confirmed not only the strong demand for onboard connectivity but also the effectiveness and reliability of the inflight Internet system deployed by Vietnam Airlines. The successful pilot phase laid a solid foundation for the airline’s decision to proceed with a full-scale rollout.

Flexible Data Packages Tailored to Passenger Needs

As part of the official launch, Vietnam Airlines is offering a range of flexible data packages designed to accommodate different passenger preferences and usage patterns. These include a USD 5 messaging package, allowing unlimited messaging throughout the flight; a USD 10 package providing one hour of web browsing; and a USD 20 package offering unlimited Internet access for the entire journey. These packages are currently available on international routes.

To further enhance customer experience during the initial rollout period, Vietnam Airlines is implementing a series of promotional offers. From now until March 31, 2026, Business Class passengers will continue to enjoy complimentary inflight Internet service, while all passengers will receive 15 minutes of free messaging. This approach allows travelers to experience the benefits of inflight connectivity firsthand, encouraging wider adoption and familiarization with the service.

For domestic flights, Vietnam Airlines plans to deploy inflight Internet once payment methods are standardized and fully compatible with the Vietnamese market. This careful and phased approach ensures a seamless and secure experience for passengers across all routes.

Expanding Technical Infrastructure Across the Fleet

At present, Vietnam Airlines has equipped seven Airbus A350 aircraft with inflight Internet connectivity. The airline expects to complete installation across the entire A350 fleet in 2026, significantly expanding service availability on long-haul and high-demand routes.

Following the A350 rollout, other aircraft types, including Boeing 787 and Airbus A321, will be progressively fitted with satellite-based Internet transmission systems. This long-term fleet-wide deployment strategy demonstrates Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to providing consistent onboard connectivity across its network, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a modern travel experience regardless of aircraft type or route length.

The introduction of inflight Internet represents a major technological upgrade, requiring substantial investment in hardware, software, and operational integration. Vietnam Airlines’ decision to prioritize this initiative underscores its strategic focus on digital transformation as a core pillar of service excellence.

A Key Criterion on the Path to 5-Star Status

Globally, inflight Internet has been widely adopted by leading airlines and is increasingly regarded as a near-mandatory standard for carriers aspiring to achieve 5-star status. Onboard connectivity is a critical evaluation criterion used by prestigious international organizations such as Skytrax, APEX, and AirlineRatings, which place strong emphasis on passenger experience, technological sophistication, and the modernity of airline products and services.

By officially rolling out inflight Internet, Vietnam Airlines strengthens its competitive position in the international aviation market and moves closer to meeting the stringent requirements set by these rating bodies. More importantly, the service aligns with the airline’s broader vision of delivering a seamless, connected, and customer-centric journey from ground to air.

Inflight connectivity also opens new opportunities for service personalization, digital content delivery, and future innovations, including e-commerce, real-time service updates, and enhanced inflight entertainment experiences. These capabilities will enable Vietnam Airlines to further differentiate itself and continuously elevate passenger satisfaction.

Leadership Commitment to Innovation and National Strategy

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, emphasized the strategic significance of inflight Internet within the airline’s long-term development roadmap: “Maintaining continuous connectivity for passengers throughout the flight has become an essential requirement of modern aviation. Inflight Internet service will deliver a richer travel experience for passengers, while providing a foundation for Vietnam Airlines to realize its goal of becoming a 5-star international airline by 2030. This initiative also demonstrates the airline’s determination in implementing the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on promoting science, technology and innovation, which Vietnam Airlines has been actively pursuing in recent years.”

This statement highlights how the inflight Internet project aligns not only with corporate objectives but also with national policies on innovation, digital transformation, and technological advancement. As the National Flag Carrier, Vietnam Airlines plays a pioneering role in translating these policies into concrete actions that benefit passengers and contribute to the modernization of Viet Nam’s aviation industry.

Connecting Creativity at 10,000 Meters

On the occasion of the official launch, Vietnam Airlines collaborated with Space Speakers to debut the song “Ket Noi” at an altitude of 10,000 meters. This unique creative initiative symbolized the spirit of connection that inflight Internet represents, blending technology, music, and aviation into a memorable cultural moment.

Beyond its artistic value, the project reaffirmed Vietnam Airlines’ pioneering spirit and its mission to connect Viet Nam with the world. Through an extensive global route network and an increasingly modern service ecosystem, the airline continues to explore innovative ways to engage passengers and communicate its brand values.

Strong Technology Partnerships for Global Standards

The technological infrastructure for inflight Internet has been deployed by Vietnam Airlines in close cooperation with VNPT, Viet Nam’s leading technology group, and is connected to the Viasat satellite system of the United States. This partnership ensures stable, secure, and high-quality Internet access for passengers throughout the flight.

The collaboration between Vietnam Airlines and VNPT represents a successful model of cooperation between aviation and technology sectors, contributing to the development of internationally standardized services originating from Viet Nam. By leveraging global satellite technology and domestic technological expertise, the airline reinforces its capability to deliver advanced services while supporting the growth of the national digital ecosystem.

Continuous Service Innovation in 2025

The introduction of inflight Internet is part of a broader series of service enhancements implemented by Vietnam Airlines in 2025. Throughout the year, the airline has continuously raised service standards, positioning itself as a leader in Viet Nam’s aviation industry.

Notable initiatives include the Check-in Lounge service, offering greater comfort and privacy for premium passengers; the introduction of the brand scent “Nha – LotuScent”, which adds a distinctive sensory dimension to the travel experience; and the rollout of end-to-end biometric procedures, significantly improving convenience, speed, and security across the passenger journey.

Together, these innovations demonstrate Vietnam Airlines’ holistic approach to service excellence, where technology, design, and human-centered thinking converge to create a seamless and memorable travel experience.

A Foundation for the Future

With the official rollout of inflight Internet connectivity, Vietnam Airlines takes another decisive step toward its ambition of becoming a 5-star international airline by 2030. More than a technological upgrade, inflight Internet represents a strategic foundation for future service innovation, digital engagement, and enhanced passenger experience.

As global aviation continues to evolve, Vietnam Airlines remains committed to investing in modern infrastructure, embracing innovation, and upholding international standards, while staying true to its identity as the National Flag Carrier. Through initiatives like inflight Internet, the airline not only connects passengers in the sky but also strengthens its role as a bridge connecting Viet Nam with the world.