The largest wide-body aircraft Vietnam Airlines had in its fleet, it touched down at Long Thanh International Airport on Monday, marking a key technical milestone as Vietnam’s biggest aviation hub enters its final phase of preparation before beginning commercial operation.
The twin-engine aircraft has advanced technologies, has a capacity of around 340, and a long range suitable for international routes.
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner lands at Long Thanh airport in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Read/Quynh Tran |
Duong Quang Dien, standing deputy director of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)’s Long Thanh International Airport project management board, said the airport is capable of handling all aircraft currently in use globally.
The test flight helped assess various’ units coordination and operational management and the accuracy and synchronization of technical systems to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
It also comprehensively tested the runway, taxiways, apron, and surrounding areas, confirming their safety while handling large aircraft.
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A Boeing 787 Dreamliner pulls into position at Long Thanh airport, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Read/Quynh Tran |
Previous calibration flights mainly used smaller aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air 300.
According to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation, the entire air traffic management system was verified in real-life conditions.
It coordinated with the Southern Airports Authority, ACV, and Vietnam Airlines to conduct multiple comprehensive drills.
Various operational scenarios were developed and carefully reviewed, covering approach procedures, ground operations management, and the handling of abnormal situations.
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Air traffic control officers manage the test flight at Long Thanh airport on Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Read/Phuoc Tuan |
Notably, the handover process between the Ho Chi Minh Area Control Center, Tan Son Nhat [Airport] Approach Control and the Long Thanh Air Traffic Control Tower was tested multiple times to ensure continuity and smooth coordination throughout the air traffic management chain.
Communications, navigation, surveillance, and runway lighting systems were tested in an integrated manner.
Support forces, including aviation rescue and firefighting, security, and aviation medical services, were fully deployed.
According to the VATM, the results of the first technical test flight provide an important basis for relevant units to continue refining flight procedures and operational processes in preparation for the next phase of Long Thanh Airport’s operations as scheduled.
Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam director general Uong Viet Dung described the successful technical landing as a significant milestone for the country’s aviation industry.
After completing technical inspections, Long Thanh Airport is expected to receive its first three official flights on Dec. 19.
The inaugural flight will again be a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 with senior Party and State leaders coming from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi.
The two subsequent flights, operated by Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways, are expected to use Airbus A321 and A330 aircraft flying from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh.
These will carry only flight crews and technical staff.
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