KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs Vietnam Airlines

Overview

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier of the Netherlands. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 7 October 1919 and is often described as the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. It is headquartered in Amstelveen and is part of the Air France–KLM group. KLM is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Its subsidiaries include KLM Cityhopper, Martinair and Transavia.

Network and hubs

The hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Wikipedia lists scheduled passenger and cargo services to 171 destinations, covering Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Many passengers connect at Schiphol between European feeder routes and long-haul flights, and KLM codeshares with SkyTeam partners such as Delta.

Fleet

The KLM fleet page on Wikipedia gives a mainline fleet of about 125 aircraft (accessed September 2026); the figure excludes subsidiaries. Narrow-bodies are mostly Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, due to be replaced by the Airbus A320neo family. Wide-bodies used on medium and long-haul routes are the Airbus A330, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787. Air France-KLM announced an order for 50 Airbus A350 aircraft in September 2023. Fleet numbers change often, so check the sources for the latest count.

On board

• Long-haul cabins are World Business Class, Premium Comfort, Economy Comfort and Economy.
• According to OneMileAtATime, Premium Comfort is on all 777s and 787s, with about 38 in of seat pitch against about 31 in in Economy.
• According to Simple Flying, the 787s have lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout.
• Entertainment, Wi-Fi and meal details vary by route and fare, so check KLM before travelling.

Good to know

• Hand baggage depends on fare, according to KLM. Economy Basic fares include only a small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm) under the seat. Light, Standard and Flex fares add a hand baggage piece (55 x 35 x 25 cm), with a combined limit of 12 kg. Business Class allows two pieces and up to 18 kg combined. Basic passengers can buy hand baggage via My Trip up to 4 hours before departure.
• The KLM Crown Lounges at Schiphol are open to Business Class passengers and to Flying Blue Gold and Platinum members, who may bring one guest. Other travellers can pay for access. KLM also has Crown Lounges in Toronto and Houston.
• The loyalty programme is Flying Blue, shared with Air France.

Overview

Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam. According to Wikipedia, it traces its origins to Vietnam Civil Aviation, founded on 15 January 1956. It is headquartered at 200 Nguyen Son in Hanoi's Long Bien district and is the parent of the low-cost carrier Pacific Airlines and of Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO). A 2026 outlook report describes the government as the controlling shareholder, with Japan's ANA Holdings as a strategic partner. The airline joined the SkyTeam alliance in June 2010 and is listed on the Ho Chi Minh City stock exchange.

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang is a secondary hub, and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are focus cities. Wikipedia lists 65 destinations and, in the body text, 117 routes across 19 countries, excluding codeshares. Long-haul services reach Europe, Australia and the United States, alongside a dense network in Northeast and Southeast Asia.

Fleet

Wikipedia gives a fleet of 97 aircraft in 2026 (retrieved October 2026). The outlook report describes a mainline fleet of Airbus A321ceo and A321neo narrowbodies, A320neo aircraft, and widebody Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. Turboprops are operated under the VASCO brand. The same report mentions plans for up to 30 more widebodies for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

On board

• Business: lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout on the 787 and A350; 2-2 recliner seats with 45 in pitch on the A321.
• Premium Economy: 38–42 in pitch, only on 787-9 and A350 aircraft, with hot meals on every flight.
• Economy: 31–32 in pitch and 32 in seat width.
• Meals: refreshments on flights over 90 minutes, and hot meals on flights over two hours.
• Entertainment: seatback screens on the A350 and 787, and streaming to personal devices on the A321neo.

Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources reviewed.

Good to know

• Checked baggage: on Europe and Australia itineraries, the airline's baggage page lists Economy at one 23 kg piece, Premium Economy at two 23 kg pieces and Business at two 32 kg pieces. Allowances vary by route, notably for Japan.
• Cabin baggage: the hand baggage rules allow Economy 12 kg in total, made up of one piece of up to 10 kg plus an accessory.
• Loyalty: the Lotusmiles programme is free to join. Miles can be earned on Vietnam Airlines Group, SkyTeam and partner airlines.
• Safety: Wikipedia, citing the Aviation Safety Network, records six accidents or incidents since 1951, three of them fatal.