A new way to get to Hanoi from Australia in style

Australians now have a handy new route to Vietnam with the launch of a thrice-weekly direct flight from Sydney to the historic Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. 

The service will be operated on a 274-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, adding 85,000 seats annually between the two countries. 

Sydney Airport managing director and chief executive officer Kerrie Mather said the new service provided additional capacity as demand for travel to and from Vietnam continued to increase.

“More than 240,000 passengers travelled between Sydney and Vietnam in 2016, and we’re delighted this new service will provide more choice for this growing market,” she said.

“With about 40% of Australia’s Vietnamese-born residents living in New South Wales, the service will make an important contribution to supporting the visiting family and friends market.

“Hanoi’s colonial architecture and rich sense of history also make it the ideal holiday destination for Australian travellers.”

Vietnam Airlines general manager Hung Truong said he was proud to launch the Hanoi-Sydney service, with the airline now offering 17 flights per week to Australia. Most go to Ho Chi Minh City.

“The new service will increase capacity to meet growing tourism, business and trade demand, as well as contributing toward the development of the relationship between Australia and Vietnam,” Truong said.

“The service means better connection times to North-east Asia as well as Europe, allowing Vietnam Airlines to connect Australian travellers to more of the world.

“Passengers can enjoy our new generation aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, on all flights from Australia to Vietnam and beyond, with the aircraft operating three luxury cabins of service, business, premium economy and economy class.”

I sampled the very roomy and comfortable premium economy on the way over, and business class on the way back. Premium economy is highly recommended with good food and service, while business offers the luxury of a lie-flat bed.

Sydney-Hanoi is the 55th international route serviced by Vietnam Airlines. 

VN787 departs Hanoi on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday at 2355, arrives in Sydney at 1315 (AEDT) the next day

VN786 departs Sydney on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1515 (AEDT), arrives in Hanoi 2050.

For details and bookings see www.vietnamairlines.com