Vietnam Airlines flight VN98 landed at San Francisco International Airport on November 29, marking the official opening of a regular commercial direct route between Vietnam and the US.

The flight was conducted on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of the most modern wide-body aircraft in the world, contributing to the successful completion of the 13,000-km flight from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco in 13 hours and 45 minutes.

Vietnam Airlines therefore became the first and only Vietnamese airline to operate a regular direct route to the US. “We are honored to be the first airport in the US to cater to non-stop regular flights to and from Vietnam and offer a world-class experience with seamless access throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and are grateful to Vietnam Airlines for making San Francisco their first US destination,” said Mr. Ivar C. Satero, Director of San Francisco International Airport.

The flight also represents a big leap forward for Vietnam Airlines and a historic milestone for Vietnam’s aviation sector. The national flag carrier was pleased with the flight, according to Mr. Le Hong Ha, Director General of Vietnam Airlines.

It will operate two flights a week between Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco and aims to increase this to seven flights a week after Covid-19 is fully brought under control, and also plans to open new routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles.