Lao airline changes name

Phongsavanh Airlines, destined to be Laos’  first privately owned airline, had changed its name to Lao Central Airlines, but has not confirmed an exact launch date.

Lao News Agency reported last week Phongsavanh Airlines will trade as Lao Central Airlines and hired Price Waterhouse Coopers as a consultant to create a business plan and study the airline’s financial structure.

There is no connection to Thailand’s Central group that operates shopping malls, department stores and a hotel company across Asia.

The airline’s executive board committee member, Thongsay Inthisane, told the local press, the project would strengthen the country’s aviation business.

The new airline originally said it would start services earlier this year, flying four daily services from Vientiane to Bangkok, using two 150-seat A320s. The plan failed to materialise raising doubt about the owning company’s financial commitment.

Its public relations statements suggested it would also start services to Hanoi, Kunming and Siem Reap and was supposed to have hired two Indian pilots. There was considerable fanfare when the company hired 10 cabin crew staff, although they have not been seen since.

Company directors claimed they had ordered three Russian Sukhoi Superjet-100 aircraft with six options. These planes are due for delivery next year.

The airline belongs to Phongsavanh Group a cash-rich company that owns a bank and is involved in lumber and construction business.

Source - ttrweekly