Vietnam Airlines has entered into a two-year agreement with AirFi, a leading airline technology provider. Under this partnership, AirFi will equip 37 of Vietnam Airlines’ Airbus A321 aircraft with wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) and enable convenient in-seat ordering for passengers.
Previously, these aircraft did not offer any IFE options, but now each will be fitted with portable AirFi boxes, allowing passengers to seamlessly stream content directly to their personal electronic devices. In addition to entertainment, AirFi’s solution includes an in-seat ordering feature, enabling travelers to purchase hot and cold food, beverages, and duty-free items. Passengers can even opt to have certain duty-free items delivered to their homes after their journey.
The rollout of this technology has already commenced and is set to be completed by mid-October, with full operational functionality expected at that time. Vietnam Airlines will manage the logistics of this technology at three major airport bases: Hanoi (HAN), Saigon (SGN), and Da Nang International (DAD).
This initiative aligns with Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to providing a harmonized passenger experience across its fleet. While its international Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft already feature embedded IFE systems from Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Thales, the partnership with AirFi extends this experience to some of its Airbus A321s.
Furthermore, this agreement supports Vietnam Airlines’ broader digitalization strategy, focusing on Digital Technology, Digital Data, and Digital Culture. The airline aspires to become Vietnam’s first digital airline by 2025, a goal reinforced by a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with Visa, aimed at ensuring passengers enjoy a secure and convenient digital journey.
Mr. Pham Trung Dung, Deputy Technical Director at Vietnam Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Vietnam Airlines is certified by SkyTrax as a four-star airline, and we continue to push towards five-star status. One of the ways we’re doing so is by introducing new products and services that will surprise and delight our passengers. AirFi’s solution promises to deliver a premium experience for travelers while generating increased revenue for the airline, which made for a compelling business case.”
Job Heimerikx, CEO of AirFi, also commented on the partnership, saying, “We’re immensely proud to have won a contract with the flag carrier in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines. With the addition of this carrier, AirFi now has a stronger presence in the Asian marketplace than ever before. Our unique business setup gives us strong local relevance in any market so that airlines everywhere can embrace innovative cabin digitalization and onboard sales solutions.”
