Lao Airlines has planned to open more direct flights from Vientiane to Korea, China and Vietnam. New frequencies should start before year end…
VIENTIANE – According to Lao Airlines, Seoul and Busan in the Republic of Korea, Guangzhou in China PRC as well as Danang in Central Vietnam should be linked to Vientiane, the Laotian capital, before the end of the year.
“Lao Airlines is developing and growing rapidly, especially as we bought and start to receive Airbus A320 to answer to increased demand of international travellers”, explained Somphone Douangdala, General Director of Lao Airlines during a press conference. The company has also plans to operate more charter flights to satisfy passengers’ demand.
The airline looks also to improve its services. It has just signed an agreement with Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur du Laos (BCEL) to develop co-brand UnionPay card for customers. An MOU was signed in Vientiane on October 18 between BCEL General Manager, Mr. Vankham Vilavong, and Lao Airlines General Director Somphone Douangdala.
“The MOU signing is aimed at helping the customers of both sides to ease access to money transactions and service of the BCEL and Lao Airlines. According to the agreement, both sides will cooperate to develop platinum cards, which will also provide special offers to the holder including priority to do payment at discounted prices when buying Lao Airlines products,” said Mr. Vankham. Customers will be able also to purchase and pay their Lao Airlines tickets directly at BCEL ATM
Lao Airlines plans to further expand its network over the years to come as it wants to purchase further Airbus A321, A320 and ATR 72-600 planes next year. Over 500,000 passengers flew with the Lao Airlines last year and it is estimated that the passengers of the Airlines will be increased to 800,000 this year.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
