Lao Airlines’ Step Into the Jet Age Facilitates Network Growth

Lao Airlines is to add two Airbus A320s to its fleet enabling it to launch new services to Guangzhou and Singapore and to upgrade many of its other routes from smaller ATR 72 turboprop equipment. The carrier is understood to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire two ‘white tail’ aircraft that were originally destined for Libyan carrier Afriqiyah Airways and will mean deliveries will take place as early as next month.

According to a senior executive at the manufacturer, Lao Airlines will receive its first aircraft in the second half of October with the second following the same month or in early November. The arrival of the first aircraft will enable the carrier to introduce three times weekly flights from Vientiane to Guangzhou and Singapore from October 31 and November 1 respectively, while the type will also be used on existing daily routes to Hanoi and Kunming, twice daily services to Bangkok, as well as some flights to Luang Prabang, Pakse and Ho Chi Minh.

"The A320 will see Lao Airlines introduce a new level of premium service as we expand our international route network," said Somphone Douangdara, President, Lao Airlines. "In addition to the highest standards of in-flight comfort, Lao Airlines will also benefit from the extremely low operating costs offered by these modern, fuel-efficient aircraft."