History was made on 30 June 2015 with Airbus’ delivery of the no. 1 A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines, which acquired its milestone aircraft on lease from Amsterdam-based AerCap. In doing so, Vietnam Airlines became the second operator of the game-changing “Xtra Wide Body” jetliner.

Relive the excitement by reviewing this dedicated website, which includes photos, video clips, news articles and more details related to the high-profile handover.

Airbus and MAI expand advanced air mobility partnership to provide global coverage(Opens in a new browser tab)

The world’s second airline to fly the A350 XWB in commercial service will be Vietnam Airlines, which is operating its initial highly-efficient next-generation widebody on lease from AerCap

The initial A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines in flight: This highly-efficient jetliner will be operated on lease from AerCap for the carrier’s long-haul routes.

Vietnam Airlines will initiate commercial service with its first A350-900 jetliner – which is being operated on lease from AerCap – on domestic routes, before commencing regular non-stop service from Hanoi to Paris

At the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, the distinctive blue and gold lotus livery of Vietnam Airlines is painted on the carrier’s first A350 XWB aircraft, which is being operated on lease from AerCap

The no. 1 A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines is configured in a premium three-class layout with 29 seats in Business Class, 45 in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy – featuring more space in all classes and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems throughout

“The size of the A350-900 XWB responds very well to our expected traffic growth over the next decade” – Mr Nguyen Sy Hung, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines

Airbus celebrated delivery of the first A350 XWB for operation by Vietnam Airlines – which is being leased from AerCap – during a special ceremony held 30 June 2015 in Toulouse, France. The ceremony included comments from top management of Airbus, Vietnam Airlines, AerCap and Rolls-Royce; as well as an artistic presentation representing the joys of flight was performed by Miss Vietnam and members of Vietnam Airlines’ cabin crew.