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Vietnam Airlines has unveiled a striking new special livery on one of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to commemorate its 30th anniversary and reaffirm its role as a cultural ambassador of Vietnam.
The aircraft, registered VN-A868, now proudly wears the image of the mythical Chim Lạc (Lac Bird) — a sacred national symbol representing the Vietnamese people’s enduring spirit and aspirations for the future.
What is a Lac Bird?
The Lac Bird design, inspired by the legendary imagery found on the ancient Đông Sơn bronze drums, blends tradition with modernity as it soars on one of the world’s most advanced aircraft. According to Vietnam Airlines, the livery is more than artistic; it is a cultural declaration — a celebration of Vietnamese heritage and a call to global unity through aviation.
Flight VN244, operated by the newly adorned Dreamliner, officially launched the design into service on April 19, departing from Tan Son Nhat’s new Terminal T3 in Ho Chi Minh City. The symbolic journey was witnessed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and senior officials, who inspected the boarding process using the nation’s advanced VNeID biometric technology. The morning also saw flight VN243 land from Hanoi as the first commercial aircraft to use the terminal — a historic moment marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute.
“The Lac Bird is a timeless emblem of Vietnamese culture and resilience,” said Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines. “As we celebrate 30 years of connecting Vietnam to the world, this livery represents our renewed commitment to innovation, service quality, and the promotion of our national identity on a global stage.”
A New Era for Travel in Vietnam
The inauguration of Terminal T3 and the debut of the Lac Bird Dreamliner align with another national milestone: the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and Reunification of Vietnam. This dual celebration underscores Vietnam Airlines’ mission of “soaring with the nation”, blending history, progress, and cultural pride in a single flight path.
Vietnam Airlines’ entire domestic flight network is expected to transition to Terminal T3 by April 28, with exceptions for select regional routes. The Boeing 787-9 featuring the Lac Bird design will continue to operate flagship routes — most notably between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — serving as a powerful airborne ambassador of Vietnam’s spirit and heritage.
Spotters and aviation enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye out for VN-A868, which will be operating key domestic and international services throughout the anniversary year.
