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Aug 22, 2018 / 11:44

Bamboo Airways gets closer to take-off

The airline is expected to launch its first flight on October 10, while offering air tickets for flights starting September 2.

Vietnam's Ministry of Transport (MoT) is seeking Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's authorization in giving aviation license to Bamboo Airways, helping the startup airline move closer to the official take-off, VnExpress reported. 
 
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.
According to the MoT, documents submitted by Viet Bamboo Airlines, a subsidiary of FLC Group which operates Bamboo Airways, are qualified and meet requirements in terms of capital, avaibility of aircraft and business strategy. 

Bamboo Airways plans to provide domestic flights connecting tourist spots in Vietnam, in addition to international flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to countries in the region. 

With this strategy, Viet Bamboo Airlines is expected to create new products and markets, enhanching competitiveness in Vietnam's aviation market and providing new options for passengers, stated the MoT. 

The inclusion of new airline is also in line with the master plan for Vietnam's aviation industry recently approved by the PM. 

Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) is capable of supervising flight operations of Bamboo Airways, and ensuring aviation safety and security, according to the MoT. 

In addition to the required aviation license, Bamboo Airways has to secure the Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) for operation. 

Last week, FLC Group held a ceremony to officially launch Bamboo Airways in Binh Dinh province where the airline is headquartered. The airline is expected to launch its first flight on October 10, while offering air tickets for flights starting September 2. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has given his approval to the Bamboo Airways investment project at Phu Cat Airport, Binh Dinh province with Viet Bamboo Airlines as project owner on July 9.

In May, FLC Group signed a US$3-billion contract with Airbus to buy 24 A321neo aircraft, which are expected to be delivered to Bamboo Airlines in the agreed timeline in the 2022 - 2025 period. The airline also expected to rent an additional 10 aircraft for operation. 


One month later, FLC Group reached an agreement with Boeing to purchase 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for Bamboo Airways in a contract worth US$5.6 billion at current list prices.