Vietnam’s flag-carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has operated its inaugural commercial flight to San Francisco, the first non-stop regular service between both countries.
Vietnam Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered as VN-A861, took off from Ho Chi Minh City International Airport (SGN) and touched down at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on November 29, 2021, marking the airline’s first entry to the United States.
“We are so honored to be the first airport in the U.S. to offer nonstop regular flights to Vietnam. We are grateful to Vietnam Airlines for making San Francisco their first U.S. destination, and we are confident this new service will be a success,” said Director of San Francisco Airport Ivar C. Satero.
The Ho Chi Minh-based carrier said it will deploy its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A350 aircraft for its regular non-stop services to the United States. The airline currently has a total of 14 Airbus A350s, 11 787-9s and four 787-10 Dreamliners in its fleet, according to Planespotters.net.
Vietnam Airlines will begin service with two weekly flights between San Francisco and Ho Chi Minh City. Over time, the airline aims to offer seven weekly flights to the US once the COVID-19 related travel restrictions are eased. It also plans to open a new route between Hanoi and Los Angeles.
In a press statement dated November 29, 2021, President & CEO of Vietnam Airlines, Le Hong Ha announced: “Today, we are very pleased to announce the success of the inaugural commercial direct flight to the U.S., marking a new milestone for Vietnam Airlines in particular and Vietnam’s aviation in general.”