Quantcast

Vietnam Airlines operates world’s rarest Airbus A350 routes in 2025

Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Vietnam Airlines operates world’s rarest Airbus A350 routes in 2025
Policy
Webp 2
Le Hong Ha, CEO | Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is operating some of the rarest scheduled Airbus A350 flights in 2025, with all such routes listed this year being operated by the Vietnamese flag carrier. The airline owns 14 A350-900s within its 96-aircraft fleet, but five of these widebodies are currently parked.

The rarest routes include flights between major Asian and European cities. Only one scheduled A350 flight connects Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and Beijing Capital Airport in each direction this year. Both airports are among the busiest in their respective countries, serving as major political and business centers. Vietnam Airlines' decision to use an A350 for such a short route is notable since the aircraft is typically designed for long-haul operations.

According to available data, the airline often opts for its more numerous narrowbody Airbus A321s on shorter international sectors, as it has 48 of those jets. The limited deployment of the A350 on short routes may be influenced by traffic density or operational considerations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Another pair of rare flights includes Hanoi to Busan’s Gimhae International Airport and back, again with only one departure scheduled in each direction this year. The use of a widebody like the A350 on these medium-range routes could be due to sporadic spikes in demand or operational requirements, although no official reason has been given by Vietnam Airlines.

The same pattern appears on Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Busan (PUS) and return flights—both served only once by an A350 this year. SGN is Vietnam's busiest airport with over 40 million annual passengers, while PUS handles over 15 million travelers per year and faces congestion issues due to its geographic constraints.

One-off long-haul deployments also appear: Tokyo Narita Airport sees a single Vietnam Airlines A350 service to Da Nang International Airport; London Heathrow receives just one outbound flight to Hanoi; and Frankfurt International hosts one departure from Ho Chi Minh City using an A350 during 2025. These longer missions allow the aircraft to operate closer to its optimal performance range.

Operational factors behind these infrequent deployments include ongoing cabin upgrades and reported engine maintenance challenges for the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines that power Vietnam Airlines’ A350s. Reuters previously reported similar engine durability issues affecting other airlines such as Cathay Pacific.

Vietnam Airlines’ preference seems tilted towards using Boeing 787 Dreamliners—of which it has 17—instead of its smaller pool of active A350s. This shift may reflect both current maintenance needs and broader strategic decisions about fleet utilization.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025