Phongsavanh Airlines to buy three aircraft
Phongsavanh Airlines Public Company is planning to buy three jet aircraft from the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Corporation of Russia.
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding for the purchase in Vientiane on Wednesday.
“We cannot reveal the purchase cost now because it depends on the accommodations or facilities of the aircraft to be built,” said Phongsavanh Airlines Public Company General Director, Mr Artem Vartanian.
“We are preparing a feasibility study now.”
The company will receive the three aircraft by early 2012. It will take the manufacturer over a year to assemble them, with each having 98 seats.
Currently Phongsavanh Airlines provides flights on a 19-seat aircraft, which travels between Vientiane and the provinces of Xayaboury, Huaphan and Phongsaly.
Service began about a month after the Phongsavanh Group Company took control of the Lao Capricorn Air Company in January.
“We will provide flights to international destinations once we have the new aircraft,” Mr Vartanian said.
It is expected flights will be scheduled to destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries in the region.
The Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Corporation is a world aircraft producer and has been manufacturing aircraft for over 75 years. Phongsavanh Group plans to buy a further three aircraft from the corporation to add new routes for future trade, tourism and investment purposes.
The group hopes to take advantage of the growth in these sectors in Laos and aims to raise air transport in Laos to an international standard.
Lao Airlines will also buy two ARJ21-700 jet aircraft from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd, after signing a purchase agreement in January. The purchase o f jet aircraft is an important step for Lao Airlines and its growth. At present the airline owns only propeller aircraft. It will receive the two new aircraft by the end of 2012.
It agreed to the purchase after experiencing increased demand for charter flights by tourists and government officials. The two airlines placed the orders in light of concerns about the adequacy of domestic and international air transport. The new aircraft will drive the development of the air transport market and tourism.
Lao Airlines is the national flag carrier of Laos, formerly known as Lao Aviation. It has eight aircraft - four MA60, two ATR72-200, and two new TR72-500 bought from France last year. They fly to four international and seven domestic locations.
It offers flights to and from Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces. International destinations are Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Phongsavanh Group is a multi-sector conglomerate with enterprises in international trading, timber, hospitality, telecommunications, banking, airlines and security products and services, according to the group's website.