Vietnam Airlines is set to upgrade its daily Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City flights to brand new Airbus A350 aircraft.

From 29 July to the end of October 2018 all Boeing 787 aircraft travelling on the route in and outbound to Melbourne will be replaced by the new Airbus A350.

This is the first time the new aircraft will be available to Australian passengers travelling with Vietnam Airlines.

The new aircraft implementation comes as the increase in demand for flights on the Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City route has spiked in recent months. The Airbus A350 allows an extra 10% customer capacity than the long-standing Boeing 787.

Similarities are seen between the aircrafts, both being long range, wide-bodied and featuring a twin-engine, with the largest change between the planes being the increase in passenger accommodation, with the Airbus A350 allowing for an additional 29 passengers each way.

“It is great to see an increase in demand from our Australian travellers and Vietnam Airlines is delighted to announce the upgrade to some of the current fleet to the new Airbus,” said Vietnam Airlines General Manager – Australia, Hung Truong.

The new A350s also offer more legroom and increased passenger mobility, with Premium Economy on the Airbus featuring near-flat reclining seats, a bountiful 38 in (96.5cm) pitch and recline up to 8 in (20cm). Passengers will be able to enjoy the latest in entertainment on 10.6 in (27cm) private screens.