Lao Air buys ATRs

State-run Lao Airlines will buy two more ATR72-600 aircraft this year to expand both domestic and international routes.
According to the airline vice chairman, Sengpraseuth Mathouchanh, the first aircraft will arrive in Vientiane in May and the second in November this year.
The airline also plans to open services from Vientiane to Yangon in Myanmar and Malaysia once the new aircraft are delivered.
In 2015, Lao Airlines plans to buy two more Airbus 321s.
Mid-last year the airline lost an ATR72 in a fatal accident at Pakse airport a loss that forced the airline to postpone expansion plans.
The carrier is operating services to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, China, and South Korea with the 158-seat Airbus A320.
Established in 1976, the national carrier’s fleet currently comprises of 14 aircraft; four A320s, four ATR72-500s, two ATR72-600s and four MA60s.
The number of passengers increased from 275,000 in 2006 to over 600,000 in 2012 and an estimated 1 million in 2013.
Lao Airlines has code share arrangements with Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines, and interline agreements with 20 airlines including China Airlines, China Eastern, Korean Air, EVA Air, Silk Air, Qantas, Hahn Air and Bangkok Airways.

Sourced: ttrweekly