Vietnam Airlines operates a dual-hub system with main bases in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Its network covers Asia, Europe, Australia but, surprisingly, does not include North America where a huge population of expats live. Authorization for US-bound flights was granted to the airline by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September 2019, but the Covid pandemic prevented from the opening of routes. The fleet, including the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 for long range and many Airbus A321neo and A321-200 for the medium range, is one of the youngest in Far East Asia, with an aircraft average age just above 6 years (Photo Wikimedia Commons /)
- - 5 STARS: Awarded to airlines achieving a very high, overall quality performance. It recognizes high standards of onboard product together with consistent and excellent standards of staff service across airport and cabin environments
- - 4 STARS: Awarded to airlines that deliver a good overall quality performance and provide good product standards across different travel cabins
- - 3 STARS: Awarded to airlines delivering a fair quality performance equating to the industry 'average' of acceptable product and service standards
- - 2 STARS: Shows airlines delivering a lower total quality performance, in some instances below the industry average across many rating categories
- - 1 STAR: Represents a poor quality of product delivered across the assessment sectors
* SKYTRAX (www.skytraxratings.com) is the most prestigious independent rating agency in commercial aviation. Its five stars rating system regarding airline quality has become a status symbol for carriers around the world. Here is what the stars stand for: