Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-10 aircraft. The largest Dreamliner variant will operate alongside their 787-9 aircraft. This aircraft is the first of eight 787-10s Vietnam Airlines will operate. Although official schedules have not been announced, the 787-10 has an extensive range that allows it to operate a number of new routes.

The configuration

Vietnam Airlines already operates the Boeing 787-9, so the 787-10 is a natural complement to its existing fleet. In a Boeing press release, additional details pertaining to the aircraft are now clear. Vietnam Airlines will offer 24 business class seats and 343 economy class seats. On its 787-9s, the carrier offers reverse herringbone seats in business class.

Vietnam Airlines business class seat. Photo: Jay Singh/Simple Flying

I had a fantastic flight on Vietnam Airlines from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City - one of their hubs. The flight was operated on a Boeing 787-9. Should you fly on a 787-10 with Vietnam Airlines, it will likely end up being a good flight. The crew seemed to take pride in service and were wonderful to interact with.

Vietnam Airlines 787-9
Could the arrival of the 787-10 free up 787-9s for new long-haul routes? Photo: Boeing

Interestingly, Vietnam Airlines will not offer premium economy onboard their 787-10s. Keep this in mind, since the lack of this class indicates potential uses for the aircraft.

The routes

Vietnam Airlines did not release any official routes yet. However, the press release mentioned that the 787-10 would "elevate the customer experience on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route as well as many international routes."

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is a major domestic route in Vietnam. Thus, the 787-10 would help Vietnam Airlines add capacity on that route with new, fuel-efficient aircraft. The airline does already operate widebodies between the two major cities. The 787-10 could replace the other aircraft entirely and solely operate flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Airlines A350
The A350 will be replaced with a Boeing 787-10 on Vietnam Airlines' route from Ho Chi Minh to Seoul. Photo: Airbus

The configuration does give a little hint to this plane's purpose. Without premium economy, it does not seem that Vietnam Airlines would place this aircraft on long-haul service. Instead, these planes could fly high-density routes in East Asia. In particular, could include routes to China, South Korea, and Japan. Shanghai, Seoul, and Tokyo could make for profitable, high-density markets for the 787-10.

*Update 16/08/19 - 08:17UTC*

Vietnam Airlines has confirmed to Simple Flying that the 787-10 is scheduled to serve Hanoi - HCMC and HCMC - Seoul/Busan routes.

Overall

With the first of eight 787-10s on lease from Air Lease Corporation, Vietnam Airlines is on a path of expansion and fleet renewal. Hopefully, if the 787-10 does replace other services, then Vietnam Airlines will launch new long-haul missions. Perhaps Los Angeles could be on the cards? Both the A350-900 and 787-9 could make the trip.

Are you excited to try Vietnam Airlines' new 787-10? Where do you think they will fly the Boeing 787-10? Let us know in the comments below!