FLC Group, a prominent real estate group, plans to set up a new domestic airline in Vietnam.
VnExpress reports that the company's shareholders have approved charter capital of VND700 billion (US$30.8 million) to create Viet Bamboo Airlines, based in Hanoi. The carrier must apply for a number of licenses before it can begin offering flights.
The news source adds that this initial capital sum would allow the airline to begin with a fleet of 30 aircraft for domestic routes.
If Viet Bamboo becomes a reality it would be the fifth homegrown airline in Vietnam, though only three - Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar Pacific - are currently in the air.
Vietstar Airlines, a military-run carrier, first applied to begin operations in 2015, but the central government has since told it to wait until Tan Son Nhat International Airport is expanded.
Vietnam's airline industry is growing rapidly, according to the news source. Last year 52.2 million passengers flew in the country, up 29% from 2015.
[Photo via VTV]
