On Jan 16, the Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways completed its inaugural flight that departed from Ho Chi Minh City and arrived at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International. It joins other local players, local airlines operating are Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Aviation and Vietnam Air Services.
The carrier plans to operate up to 60 domestic flights per day with 37 routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations domestically and internationally. The first domestic routes will be Hanoi to Quy Nhon, Hanoi to Dong Hoi, HCM City to Quy Nhon, Hanoi to HCM City and HCM City to Van Don. The airline intends to expand its fleet to 40 to 50 by the end of this year.
Established in 2017 with the charter capital of VND 700 billion (USD 31.4 million) and owned by FLC property and leisure group, the airway is part of the Viet Bamboo Airlines Company based in the city of Quy Nhon in Bình Dinh Province. FLC Group has positioned Bamboo Airways as a hybrid airline, blending low-cost traits with those of traditional or full-service carriers.
Being one of the fastest economic growth countries in Asia, Vietnam has recorded double-digit expansion in domestic and inbound passenger numbers. The government encourages tourism with visa exemptions and by promoting investment in the industry.
(Sources: Channel NewsAsia; Vietnam News)