Vietnam Airlines has joined Qatar Airways as the only two operators of Airbus’ new-generation A350 XWB to date, following the handover of the Xtra Wide Body jetliner on Tuesday.

The 305-seat aircraft will enter commercial revenue service later this week, operated on lease from AerCap, the world's largest aircraft leasing company, the French planemaker said in a press release the same day.

With the A350 XWB in its fleet, Vietnam Airlines will bring a new level of service to passengers while also benefiting from enhanced profitability and increased competitiveness in the long-haul premium sector.

The A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines is seen in flight in this undated handout photo provided by Airbus.

Vietnam Airlines will deploy its very first A350 XWB for the Ha Noi – Ho Chi Minh City service, and is slated to begin long-haul services from these two Vietnamese cities to Paris, France later in the year.

The airline will add a total of 14 A350-900s to its fleet, 10 of which will be delivered by Airbus, with the other four by lessors.

Vietnam Airlines’ A350 XWB is equipped with the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, and fuel-saving Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which Airbus says will deliver “unrivalled levels of operating efficiency.”

The jetliner, the latest member in the Airbus widebody family, also features the lotus flower logo and distinct gold livery of Vietnam Airlines, whereas its interior design is enhanced to further increase comfort and spaciousness, according to Airbus.

(Source: tuoitrenews)