Vietnam Airlines Business Class Assessment for Short-Distance Flights
Flying with Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class on short-haul flights offers a number of advantages, providing a more personalized experience for passengers. On a recent flight from Saigon to Singapore, passengers were treated to a meal tray including a fresh garden salad, a fruit bowl for dessert, a selection of breads, and various beverages.
The Business Class section of the aircraft, on a 12-year-old Airbus A321-200 (VN-A601), features 16 seats arranged in a 2-2 layout. Each seat offers a seat pitch of 45 inches, approximately 10 inches of recline, and extendable foot and leg rests. The seats are equipped with a control panel for adjusting functions and a sturdy, stowable tray table.
Before takeoff, Business Class passengers were offered a traditional pre-flight drink, with options including alcohol or a honey-based concoction. Onboard, passengers could access in-flight entertainment via a mobile-based system by connecting to the LotuStar WiFi. However, it's worth noting that in-flight entertainment screens are not available on the VN A321s, both in Economy and Business Class.
The flight, Business Class flight VN651, took place on December 23, 2024. Passengers flying Business with Vietnam Airlines can choose between two fare categories: Business Classic and Business Flex. The lounge offers a food selection including breakfast cereals, fresh fruit, local pastries, and hot dishes like sautéed potatoes and glass noodles.
Vietnam Airlines' Tan Son Nhat Hub operates two separate lounges, offering complimentary access to Business Class passengers, SkyTeam Alliance First/Business passengers, and LotusMiles Gold/Platinum/Million Miler members. The lounge also offers convenient amenities, including shower facilities and a wide selection of beverages.
An exceptional level of hospitality was provided by the Business Class crew, particularly the stewardess Minh Chau. Passengers were also provided with a warm blanket during the flight. It's worth mentioning that due to the flight's short duration, Business Class passengers are not offered amenity kits.
When compared to other airlines operating on the Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) route, Vietnam Airlines’ regional Business Class presents a competitive offering but faces strong competition from carriers like Singapore Airlines. While Vietnam Airlines' regional business class emphasizes efficient service and improved catering, it may lack some of the more luxurious features such as lie-flat seats or extensive entertainment options that Singapore Airlines typically provides.
The lavatory on the VN A321 is tidy, clean, and minimalistic, with Business Class passengers benefiting from access to a separate lavatory. On this flight, the author opted for the Oriental Fish selection from the meal service offered on the short flight.
In summary, Vietnam Airlines’ regional Business Class on short-haul flights distinguishes itself through excellent service, improved catering, and comfortable seats on newer aircraft. However, when compared specifically to Singapore Airlines on the Singapore-Saigon route, Vietnam Airlines offers a solid but somewhat more basic business class experience, with Singapore Airlines generally regarded as providing a more premium product in terms of seat comfort and onboard amenities.
- The aviation industry witnessed a competitive shift on the Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) route with Vietnam Airlines' introduction of an enhanced regional Business Class, offering a personalized experience and improved catering, but facing strong competition from carriers like Singapore Airlines that provide more luxurious features.
- In the transportation sector, the offering of Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class on short-haul flights includes a variety of lifestyle amenities, such as the option to choose from two fare categories (Business Classic and Business Flex) and access to convenient services like shower facilities and a wide selection of beverages in the lounges.
- The finance department of the aviation industry will observe the impact of Vietnam Airlines' efforts to improve their Business Class offering, as this approach may attract more passengers and contribute to the airline's profits, while also pressing them to compete with industry giants like Singapore Airlines in terms of luxury offerings.
