In contradiction with previous announcements that the FLC Group-backed BamBoo Airways would launch its maiden flight on December 27, the airline has moved the date to mid-January, 2019, local media reported.
Illustrative photo.
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At present, Bamboo Airways is still under the appraisal process, which is the final step before starting operation and to ensure safety first, Thang added.
According to Thang, Bamboo Airways would have a fleet of 20 aircraft under its disposal in the first period of operation in the first quarter of 2019, which later would increase to 40 – 50. Meanwhile, new airplanes from two contracts worth US$8.8 billion signed with Airbus and Boeing are tentatively scheduled to be delivered from 2020.
Bamboo Airways plans to provide direct international flights to destinations where FLC Group resorts and hotels are located, such as Quy Nhon, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Binh, in addition to domestic flights connecting tourist spots in Vietnam.
On December 17, Bamboo Airways has received its first aircraft, namely the A319, which was leased from aircraft-leasing company WWTAI AirOpCo II DAC for 48 months. The airline is expected to add an A321Neo in a long-term leasing contract from GECAS, a subsidiary of General Electrics on January 10, 2019.
In addition to Bamboo Airways, Vietnam currently has four airlines, including national carrier Vietnam Airlines, budget operator Jetstar Pacific Airlines (partly owned by Vietnam Airlines), budget carrier Vietjet Aviation, and Vietnam Air Services (VASCO).
