Joyride On My First Airbus A350-900 Experience (Vietnam Airlines Part 1: SGN-HAN)

 Welcome to my trip report on Vietnam Airlines and the Airbus A350! 

*Aircraft photos are credited to the respective photographers from airliners.net 

A350 Mission Accomplished!

This aircraft, registered as VN-A886, undergo some flight tests before being delivered to the airline. The airline representatives and flight crew would be there to ensure all parts are working and once they are satisfied, a ceremony (for the first aircraft) to celebrate the delivery would be held. Paperwork to be completed, then the key of the aircraft would be handed over. After that, a water cannon salute for the first delivery before the delivery flight to its home base. Subsequent deliveries of other aircraft would be done quietly. 

SGN- Ho Chi Minh City 

HAN - Hanoi 

For my part 2, click here

For my Premium Economy Experience on this aircraft, click here

Introduction 

This trip came about around November when I saw some good offers from Scoot and decided to go somewhere nearby to enjoy a short break and perhaps fly some domestic flights in Thailand. The idea of flying Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350-900 came when I read some trip reports and also a few of my friends especially the ones on airliners.net were talking about flying the A350 with another airline, Finnair. Initially, I wanted to wait for Finnair to fly to Singapore with this aircraft type but after knowing that there would be further delays due to some issues with the interior of the aircraft, I decided not to wait and go ahead to flying with Vietnam Airlines's A350 which would be used on both domestic and international flights. Some of you must be wondering why not fly on the long haul? Well, I have other plans for that, such as flying Finnair's A350 to Helsinki and besides Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is around 2 hours of flying and that time, the ticket was very cheap, so I didn't take long to decide and before I knew it, the tickets were booked! 

The main issue I worried about was getting last minute equipment change which happened to me before with China Airlines and Thai Airways, so every few days, I would check the airline's website and Flightradar24 hoping that things go to plan. Fortunately, I got what I want and I can share this experience with you. I decided to save the extra bucks and fly instead on Economy Class on both ways. 

Brief info of Vietnam Airlines 

This airline is the national airline of Vietnam, set up in 1956 with its original name - Vietnam Civil Aviation. It is based in Hanoi with 2 main bases, Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh). In 1996, the government brought together 20 companies to form Vietnam Airlines Corporation and a restructuring of this company took place 4 years with a change in management and an update with its livery (to the current) and also joined the Skyteam alliance in June 2010. Future of this airline looked bright from then on and with a modern fleet of Airbus A321, Airbus A330, ATR-72, Boeing 777-200ER, and the new aircraft, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 joining the fleet, this airline is definitely going places. 

The old livery of Vietnam Airlines 

The airline used to operate this Boeing 767-300ER before being replaced by the Airbus A330-200. 

The current fleet of Vietnam Airlines 

ATR-72

This is the -500 series. The airline also operates the -200 series.

Airbus A321

Airbus A330-200

Airbus A350-900

Boeing 777-200ER

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner 

(I will fly on this on my next trip to Vietnam)

Brief Information of the Airbus A350 

The Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide-Body) is a long-range twin-engine aircraft built by Airbus to replace the Airbus A330 and A340 and compete with Boeing's 787 and 777. This new generation aircraft offers a wider-fuselage over the 787 and hold more capacity than the Boeing 787-8 and -9 series. Thanks to Boeing's launch of the Boeing 787, Airbus followed suit due to pressure from the American manufacturer and customers, this European manufacturer was forced to ditch its original Airbus A350 design (Main change is the engine) and re-designed to something bigger to give a good competition to Boeing's 787 and 777. This Airbus A350 is the first Airbus aircraft with both fuselage and wing structure made by mostly carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer. It is basically lighter than the current ones which allow this aircraft to fly further and save more fuel. There are 3 types to this aircraft model: -800, -900 and -1000. The models are based on the capacity and the range. For the -800, it's a performance on paper is pretty close to the Airbus A330 NEO (New engine option) - a new variant to the A330 series which was launched not too long ago and therefore this aircraft variant may not be built. The -900 series has already started flying with Qatar Airways the launch customer of this aircraft, entered service with this aircraft on the 15th January 2015. The first -1000 series (Jan 2016) is still in the building stage and would be ready to fly probably either 4th quarter of this or early next year. 

Only Roll Royce engine powers the Airbus A350 family.

Capacity: -800 (Not built yet) - 280 to 440 passengers

           -900 (Flying now) - 325 to 440 passengers

-1000 (Not out yet) - 366 to 440 passengers

Range: -800 (15,200 km), -900 (14,350 km), -900ULR (Ultra Long Range - 16,120 km), -1000 (14,800 km)

Airline's website 

The last time I used the airline's website, it was inconvenient. Lots of functions were not available and the website was pretty buggy. Since then, the airline updated it and after giving it a try, it was better, but still encountered problems. I had to use the mobile app, in the end, to do my online check-in as the website wasn't Ipad-friendly as the page appeared in HTML codes instead of the online check-in page. For booking of tickets, I did it with my desktop, no issues encountered. 

Since my ticket was a discounted one, I wasn't able to select my seat until 24 hours before departure. 

Here are some photos of the website 

Looks better than before but some of the features are not updated such as the fleet information. Seat map of the new aircraft types such as A350 and B787 would be very useful. 

At that time, my priority was to fly on the A350 and it flew on different flights every day. So after picking the dates, I had a look at the flights which was operated by the A350. So for the flight to Hanoi, I chose VN240 and the return with VN235. I wanted to do VN239 as it was also operated by A350 but decided on a different flight number in the end. It was a good thing because VN239 that day was operated by A321! Thank goodness.  

For the one way ticket, this price was considered quite cheap.

No issue with the booking, best to use the desktop version to do so.

I did a one-way booking for each sector because I wasn't sure whether I was going to do SGN-HAN-SGN flight or SGN-HAN-SIN. Once I decided to do the return, I booked the return one-way ticket a few days later. 

After that, I just had to count down the days! I was slightly worried after what happened to me when I booked with China Airlines for the Boeing 777-300ER. Instead, I got the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 737-800. Did a few checks as the time came closer, fortunately, nothing changed and I got my A350 rides both ways. 

Online check-in 

You can do so 24 hours before departure. Quite excited as I wanted to see the flight map as soon as possible and get the best seat. I was told that row 10 was one of the bests for wing and engine shot, but unfortunately, the rows from 10 to 16 were occupied. 

So here we are at the check-in page. 

Selecting your seats will reveal the flight map and for aircraft with rows up to no. 42 in 3-3-3 configuration means it could either be Airbus A350 or Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

I chose my seat at the rear cabin, row 33A was my choice for the flight to Hanoi. 

What's the difference between A350 and B787 configuration? For the 787, row 41 is 2-seater and 2-3-2 seating configuration for the Premium Economy, A350 is 3-3-3. 

The aircraft type should have been listed

Check-in was completed. No issue with the mobile app version.

Seat map of the Airbus A350

Business Class (Brown): 29 seats

Premium Economy (Dark Blue): 45 seats (Only 5 rows) 

Economy (Light Blue): 231 seats

On the day of departure

I stayed at the Luxury Hotel which is a 10 minutes walk from the airport so that I could wake up a bit later and take my own sweet time there. On that morning, I received an email from the airline stating that my flight was delayed until 11.50 in the morning, fortunately, the aircraft equipment was still listed as A350, so no issue with that. The good thing is I got out of the hotel a bit later and made my way to the airport on foot. 

The email informed of a change of schedule but showed me my original departure timing so I went to the airline's website and application to check the new timing and it was changed to 11:50. The effort is there but that mistake could have been prevented. 

The previous night, I did some checking and realized 2 of the A350s (VN-A886 and VN-A889) were staying overnight at Hanoi and checking the flights, one of them was departing to Seoul that same morning, so I was a little bit nervous. If the other A350 goes technical, my aircraft would definitely be changed. As for the other 2 A350s (VN-A887 and VN-A888), they were on their way to Europe, so no chance of getting on either of them. During this time, the airline operated 4 A350-900s. (The airline ordered 10)

Thanks to Flightradar24's info, VN-A889 - the 4th aircraft was on her way to Ho Chi Minh City and would fly me to Hanoi. Apparently, the reason for the delay was due to a technical problem with the aircraft. The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) was the issue and since it couldn't be fixed, the airline decided to continue operating it, using the ground equipment to power the aircraft on the ground, similarly to those aircraft without APU, such as the small turboprop planes. 

My ride - just took off from Hanoi Airport 

It started its descend into Ho Chi Minh City 

Finally touched down and taxiing to the gate. The excitement of flying the A350 for my first time just got even bigger!

Lovely weather that day as I made my way to the airport on foot. 

Got myself lost while walking along the road trying to figure out a way to get across. Thanks to one of the locals, I managed to find the path to the airport. 

Found the right way and cut through some roads to get to the domestic terminal which is about 10 minutes walk from the international terminal. 

This is the domestic terminal of Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

It was fairly busy during this period - 8 in the morning

Ticketing office for both Vietnam Airlines and Vasco (A domestic carrier which I must try)

There are some cafes on the land side. Travellers would be pleased to know there is free wifi available both in and outside the building. 

Vasco's check-in counters 

Vasco, a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, operates 2 ATR-72 aircraft. 

Jetstar Pacific's Check-in counter. This airline is also a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines. 

Vietnam Airlines' premium class check-in counters

This is where I did my check-in. The check-in staff didn't seem to be in a good mood but at least she confirmed my flight's aircraft to be operated by the Airbus A350. She only broke into a smile after issuing the ticket. 

I had to ask because I checked Flightradar earlier on, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was flying behind the A350 on the same route. I love the 787 but flying the A350 was my priority. 

My boarding pass 

After collecting my boarding pass, I made my way to the air side. The counter staff also reminded me of the change of flight schedule. 

Off to the security check, not difficult to find. 

This leads to the air side, just finished security screening and passport/air ticket check. 

The airside is quite big with lots of shops and restaurants for you to choose from. 

After my lunch, I heard an announcement for passengers of VN240 flight to head to a certain restaurant for a free meal - I thought that was a great gesture especially the delay wasn't that long. Since I was full, I gave it a miss. 

Didn't see any charging points at the seating area, but I believe some restaurants have it, at least the one I went to. 

VN244 was operated by VN-A865, one of the newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The walk from one end to the other takes around 15 minutes

The domestic terminal is quite big, with a good number of domestic flights dominated by Vietnam Airlines.

This caught my attention! What do you think? Jetstar Pacific livery with Vietnam Airlines' engine cowling cover. This A321 aircraft along with another are leased from Vietnam Airlines.

Duty-Free Shop

There are even fast food restaurants in this section of the terminal. 

Airline lounges 

Smoking corner 

Flight route: SGN-HAN

Miles: 717

Once I was done exploring the air side, I settled down and wait for my ride to arrive. 

My breakfast - costs me the only U.S $4. 

Free Wifi! You just have to follow the instruction and you are online! No need to log in. 

I spotted my ride coming in. It was my first time seeing this airline's Airbus A350. 

Photography of aircraft at this terminal is not friendly at all unlike the international terminal's airside. I had to shoot through a double glass in order to photograph my ride - VN-A889. 

The airline's Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (taxiing in) in this photo below

Do you notice the vehicle just beside the aircraft? That vehicle supplies power to the aircraft as the engines are off due to the faulty APU (Auxiliary Power Unit powers the aircraft when the engines are switched off).

From the remote parking lot, the airline's Airbus A330-200 pushed back and that allowed me to take a photo of this trio. So one question for you (Aviation enthusiasts), which aircraft would you want to fly on? (Choose one)

I managed to catch a photo of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at the gate. Can you see the difference of the nose between this aircraft and the A350?

My ride: VN-A889 

Date of departure: 15th Jan 2016

Airline: Vietnam Airlines

Flight: VN240

Route: SGN-HAN

Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

Registration: VN-A889 (Leased from CIT)

Delivered: 1st December 2015

MSN: 017

Engines: 2 X Roll Royce Trent XWB-84

Configuration: C29 W45 Y231

Seat: 33A 

Load: 90% plus 

Duration: 1 hour 40 mins

Gate: 6

Departure time: 1015 

Actual departure time: 1150

Boarding: 1139

Pushed back: 1215

Take off: 1222

Original arrival timing: 1220

Scheduled arrival: 1355

Actual arrival: 1405 

Departure runway: 07R

Arrival runway: 11R

FL: 390

Before boarding started, there was already a queue. Usually, I would wait for a while before joining the queue. But because this flight is significant, I was one of the first to queue up with some locals cutting queue.

It is hard to describe how I was feeling at this point, its a similar, exciting feeling when I first flew the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and that honour goes to ANA's flight to Tokyo Haneda from Taipei Songshan, and you can check out that trip report over here.

Boarding started around 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, I knew we would depart late. 

Few more steps to go 

Almost there now!

Do you know what is the circular window for? It is for the aero-bridge staff and the cabin crew inside the aircraft to communicate with each other with a hand signal. 

At 11:41, I was on board the Airbus A350 aircraft. 

A selection of newspapers was available including English. 

Welcome aboard! However, the crew didn't seem enthusiastic as she half-heartedly pointed to me where my seat was. Headed to my seat, snapping photos along the way and fortunately, the crew didn't mind, they probably are used to it. This A350 is the first twinjet wide-body with the 3-3-3 seating configuration in the Y class, so it was a bit strange when I first entered the Economy Class Cabin. 

Here are the photos of the Business Class Cabin

The Business Class is different from the 787-9 cabin - why the difference in Business Class product? I am not very sure of myself. 

This Business class product features Sogerma Solstys seat by EADS, I have tried it before on Hong Kong Airlines and certainly not a fan of this product. 

The good thing about this product is it is in a 1-2-1 seating configuration, aisle access for every seat and the seat can be turned into a fully-flat bed. 

The bad thing is the lack of privacy if you are sitting at the aisle seat and I find the space a bit cramp for my liking. 

The last passenger was about to leave the aircraft. As you can tell, this photo was taken after the flight. Thanks to one of the cabin crew for allowing me access to take these photos. 

As the crew was doing a turn around at Hanoi, I had to take the photos quickly and leave the aircraft. I asked for me a cockpit visit but the senior purser told me to next time ask during the flight as the pilots were busy doing the turnaround.

I like the light colours chosen by the airline for this Business Class product, matches with the crew's uniform. 

Couples who wish to sit together will be disappointed

Windows for every seat - the Airbus A350 uses the conventional window shade. 

The cleaners had started their job which meant I had to make my way out. 

Last few shots 

So what do you think of the business class product? This is definitely not new. Some of the airlines like Thai Airways, Emirates and Hong Kong Airlines also use this product and you can check out my experience with this Business Class product over here.

This is the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class product 

Photo: Vietnam Airlines

In my opinion, I prefer this product. 

Premium Economy Class cabin

3-3-3 configuration same as Economy. By looking at these photos, it is hard to tell the difference. 45 seats all together with better legroom space than Economy Class. 

If you like engine view, choose the premium economy class cabin. Do you notice the legroom space? Its wider than Economy Class. 

IFE screen looks good and is definitely an upgrade over the older IFE system. 

 5 Rows of 9 - 45 seats in the A350's Premium Economy Class. I wonder why the airline uses 2-3-2 for the Premium Economy Class on the Dreamliner aircraft and not this aircraft. 

The Premium Economy and Economy Class (with a divider in between both classes)

This is the airline's 787 Dreamliner Premium Economy Class (2-3-2)

More details on the airline's 787 Dreamliner product to come in the near future, probably would do the same route: SGN-HAN and return. 

Economy Class 

This cabin features a 3-3-3 seating configuration with 231 seats altogether. Legroom space is tighter but along with the Premium Economy, the seat width is 18-inch type making it more comfortable for passengers. The Boeing 787 has a narrower fuselage width but uses the same 3-3-3 seating configuration, can you feel the difference? Well, I did and I find the A350 more spacious. 

The emergency window seat row provides ample legroom space.

The rear of the cabin - it turned out to be a full flight. I was glad to be able to board early. 

The seat pitch is pretty tight, around 31-32' inch. So paying more for the Premium Economy on long haul flights may be worth it.

This was my seat, row 33A. The Airbus A350's window is definitely smaller than the 787 Dreamliner.

The 3-3-3 seat layout is quite comfortable on the A350, hopefully, no one has the idea to configure this with 3-4-3, that would be quite uncomfortable. 

The seat itself is not bad, quite comfortable and I find the seat colour quite matching to the airline's livery. 

The view from my seat

This photo was taken during the flight. New Cabin Interior from Airbus, what do you think?

All I can tell you is how quiet the cabin was during cruising. 

I certainly like the new Airbus cabin, an improvement over the older ones. Finding it to be roomier and pleasant to look at. 

Photos of my seat and the new features of the A350's cabin

Legroom space is pretty tight

You can either use the buttons here to switch on the light or the remote control.

The interesting LCD display for the warning signs, I like it. I don't think the 'No Smoking' sign is needed. Just paste a sticker somewhere since smoking has been prohibited for quite a while. 

Seat cushion is comfortable - not too hard or too soft 

Fasten your seat belt whenever you are seated! 

There should be a drink holder instead of having to open the tray folder.

Large enough to place your laptop on it for some who wish to do their work. 

There are 2 power points in each row of 3 seats

The conventional window shades

Only the 'no-smoking' sign and 'no-phone' call sign were lit up during the flight 

Took a few quick shots of the crew's workspace at the rear. 

A small party could be held over here during the long haul flights!

Photos of the toilet

I had a little difficulty locking this door, had to use a bit of force. 

Soap dispenser and the automated tap

Press this button to flash 

In-flight service and experience

The cabin crew, in general, were not enthusiastic; the lack of warmth from them was quite obvious. There was more crew than usual to train the newer ones and also for them to gain more experience in this new aircraft. This aircraft's cabin is newer and different from the Airbus A330 so it might take a while for the crew to get used to. I find the service on the overall to be average, even with the flight purser who I asked for a cockpit visit seemed to be quite moody. Perhaps they were stress? Still, some friendliness and smiles on their faces would be great. This is also another issue the airline could work on - in-flight service on all classes. My previous flight experience with this airline, I had this similar problem. 

Even though the scheduled time was 1150, we pushed back later due to the extra time needed to start up the left engine, disconnecting the power from the aircraft to the vehicle (faulty APU) and moving the vehicles and cones away from the aircraft. By the time we were ready, we were 10 minutes behind schedule. Once clearance was given, we pushed back with the second engine starting now up shortly after. It was quite a quiet affair unlike the GE-90 engines powering the 777, would shake the whole aircraft and "announce to the world" that it is going to depart, but I enjoy it. 

During the engine start-up, safety video demo was played and soon the crew came around to do the mandatory safety checks before take off. The Captain gave us a welcome speech and some information on our route before the crew repeated it in both English and Vietnamese. The sound of the flaps being deployed was quite loud (you can check it out on my video in the later part of the trip report) and once we were at runway 07 threshold, we were 2nd in line and soon we were off. The takeoff was powerful and very quiet. We lifted off effortlessly and headed to our assigned Flight Level. 

Seat belt sign was soon turned off and I got up to take some photos before setting down for the rest of the flight. The IFE system was available for use only after take off, but earpiece was not provided so most of us had to watch our programmes without sound. However, you can use your own to listen to music. I tried using mine, no problem.

Most parts of the flight were smooth, except passing through some clouds. In-flight meal service was normal. Captain updated us with the weather in Hanoi and soon after, we started our descend into Hanoi and landed on runway 11R, taxied to the gate. At the gate, the crew explained the problem to us about the faulty APU and it would take a while before we could disembark. So, once at the gate, the left engine was kept running until a ground vehicle hooked up the cable onto the aircraft, providing power for it before the engine was turned off. Only then, the aero-bridge could connect to the aircraft's door. Only one door was used so disembarkment of all the passengers took quite a while. As for the cabin and flight crew, they had to do the return flight, so it was a bit of a rush for them preparing the aircraft once the passengers left. 

What's inside the seat pocket? 

Airline's safety card

Airline's magazine 

Heritage Fashion Magazine 

Disposal Bag for A350 and B787

Some information about the airline's A350-900 and B787-9 aircraft

In-flight Entertainment System 

This touch screen size is just right for me. You can either use the touch screen or the remote control below. Using the touch screen is not an issue. 

There are a USB port and the earpiece connector for every passenger including the bulkhead rows which are located at a different place. 

The remote control 

Welcome aboard! 

The In-flight safety demonstration - a mandatory for all flights 

The main menu 

It is nice to have a seat row number and flight information on this page. 

A small selection of the recent blockbuster movies. 

For my flight duration, there wasn't enough time to catch one, as the duration of most movies is around 2 hours.  

The Skymap - it was pretty basic. You can't do much except to wait for the page to flip to the next.

The in-flight map with limited details 

Some games for the kids to enjoy 

About the airline's fleet. Do you know what aircraft is the picture showing?

Once I was done with my exploration of the Airbus A350 Economy Class cabin, I settled down to watch the 'Greatest 150 goals' which lasted 25 minutes.

After enjoying the goals, I sat back and relax watching the in-flight map 

 I would be disappointed if I was flying on another aircraft type. Boeing 787 would not be so bad but for the others such as the A321, A330, and B777, I can't say the same.

Perhaps they could add this to this screen below 

"Thank You for flying with Vietnam Airlines, we hope you enjoy our service!"

There are also destination videos to feed you with some interesting information, and it is worth checking them out. 

This aircraft and perhaps the 787 Dreamliner doesn't have cameras installed for passengers to view outside. 

In-flight Wifi 

Unfortunately, the Wifi wasn't turned on on this flight. 

I couldn't try this service, perhaps it is only turned on for international flights. 

In-flight meal 

Chicken noodles - it was not bad, to be honest. For a domestic flight, this was acceptable though I would prefer if they add in bread together with this meal. 

I had a choice between Coke or water, I chose the latter. 

Coffee and Tea service was available, I chose a cup of coffee with sugar.

Window shot photos 

The new type of winglets and I have to say I like it a lot! 

Aircraft was pushing back at this point 

EVA Air's Boeing 777-300ER and China Airlines Boeing 747-400F parking at the remote parking lot.

Passing by a couple of interesting airlines

Nice to see EVA Air's aircraft wherever I go 

The taxi to the runway took around 10 minutes

 The residents living in those block of flats can enjoy some good view of the aircraft passing by. I guess they are used to the noise by now.

There is even a golf club nearby, hopefully, no one has the strength to hit the ball so hard that it strikes a passing by aircraft. 

On the runway, waiting for clearance for taking off. 

Take off was slightly bumpy and its always the case on my departure flights from this airport. 

The air was smoother than and we continued to climb to above FL 100 before the seatbelt sign was turned off. 

Enjoying every minute of the A350 experience. Did I mention earlier how quiet the aircraft is? The takeoff, cruising and the quietest part is the landing. Comparing to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this aircraft is the winner. 

Soon, it was time for landing. Apart from the noisy flaps, the cabin was quiet. Conversation from others just a few rows behind mine could be heard. Even one of the passengers beside me was commenting about it. 

Approaching Hanoi very soon 

Clouds came in 

We had a bit of bump here and there especially flying through the clouds, but nothing bad. 

Soon we were out of the clouds. Once we were around 3,000 feet, landing gear was out and we were on final approach to Hanoi. Traffic was light at that time so we were cleared for landing without the need of circling around.

Touched down smoothly on runway 11R and we taxied to our assigned gate. 

New aircraft ride to a new city for my flight log book. I can't ask for more, maybe better weather in Hanoi would be nice. 

It took a while before we could disembark. 

Photos of me taken on board VN-A889. 

Thanks for the ride, VN-A889!

The lovely winglets and the Roll Royce XWB engines 

Making my way to the arrival hall. Without check-in luggage, I was able to save some time. 

A short walk to the arrival hall, it took less than 10 minutes. 

The luggage carousel area 

This is the arrival hall. I met the hotel representative who drove me to the hotel.

This is the domestic terminal, the international terminal is about 10 minutes walk from here. More photos of Hanoi domestic terminal in my part 2. 

My rating: 

Airline's website and mobile app: 6/10
Ho Chi Minh domestic terminal experience: 6/10
Check-in staff: 5/10
In-flight service: 6/10
IFE system: 7/10 (In-flight map is a disappointment though)
In-flight meal: 7/10
Cabin interior: 9/10
Seat comfort: 6/10 
Cleanliness: 10/10
Aircraft condition: 7/10 (Broken APU system) 
Overall rating: 69/100

Conclusion

I was relieved to see the Airbus A350-900 at my gate. Without a spare aircraft and if the airline decided to go ahead with the original schedule, my aircraft would probably be changed to another type, possibly the Boeing 777-200ER. So for the change in flight timing, I won't include punctuality in my rating. 

This airline has finally gotten itself a competitive product; both hardware and software products are way better than the old ones. Not the best cabin products, but they are not bad maybe except for the seat pitch in Economy Class. Apart from that, it is nice to have a feel of the A350-900, a quieter aircraft over the Boeing 787. Both aircraft have their pros and cons and I will do a blog post on this in the near future. In-flight service wasn't very good, and I feel earplugs should be distributed to allow the passengers on this short flight to sample the system so that may encourage them to fly long haul with this carrier. The in-flight meal was pretty decent and for the price I paid, it is a bargain. 

An overview of the A350 experience would be done in part 2 (HAN-SGN).

For my part 2, click here 
For my premium economy class experience, click here
For my A330-200 trip report, click here
For my 787-9 Dreamliner trip report part 1, click here
For my 787-9 Dreamliner trip report part 2, click here
For my 787-9 Dreamliner 2-class trip report, click here

Thanks for reading! 

Cheers,

Charles