Vietnam Airlines vs Asiana Airlines

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.

Overview

Asiana Airlines (IATA OZ, ICAO AAR) is a South Korean full-service carrier. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 17 February 1988 as Seoul Airlines and began operations on 23 December 1988. It is headquartered in Osoe-dong, Gangseo District, Seoul, and is a member of Star Alliance. Korean Air holds 63.9% of the company; Korea Development Bank owned it from 2020 to 2024, and the Kumho Asiana Group before that.

Merger status: Asiana still flies under its own brand. ch-aviation reports that both boards approved a merger agreement on 13 May 2026. Integration is planned for 17 December 2026, when Korean Air will absorb Asiana's assets, liabilities and employees. The Asiana brand is expected to be phased out gradually. Travellers booking beyond that date should check which airline will operate their flight.

Network and hubs

Wikipedia lists Seoul Incheon and Seoul Gimpo as hubs, with Jeju as a focus city. It reports service to about 78 destinations, with international routes across Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania.

Fleet

Wikipedia's fleet table, retrieved in October 2026, shows 67 aircraft in service and 27 on order. The types are:

• Airbus A321-200 and A321neo
• Airbus A330-300
• Airbus A350-900, with deliveries from 2025
• Airbus A380-800 (6 aircraft), due to be retired before 2030
• Boeing 777-200ER

On board

Wikipedia says Asiana offers five classes: First Suite, First, Business Smartium, Business and Travel (economy). First Suite is flown on the A380. Seat layouts and entertainment systems differ by aircraft and route, so check the specific flight. Seat pitch, meal and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources used.

Good to know

• Baggage allowances, change fees and lounge access were not verified for this profile. Check the airline's website for your fare.
• The loyalty programme is Asiana Club, with five tiers: Silver, Gold, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Platinum. ch-aviation reports that the two airlines are consulting the Korea Fair Trade Commission on merging their frequent-flyer programmes, so mileage rules may change.
• No on-time performance figure was found with a clear source and period.