Bamboo Airways will become the fifth carrier to hold a Vietnamese aviation license along with Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, Vietjet Air and VASCO.
On November 12, Vietnam's Ministry of Transport officially granted Bamboo Airways its aviation license, Channel News Asia reports. The FLC-backed airline can now conduct both international and domestic flights.
The decision was made as a result of a government meeting with the participation of representatives from departments and ministries.
The carrier's first flight was originally scheduled for October 10; however, due to the lack of operation license, Bamboo Airways delayed the schedule to before the end of the year.
"We have conducted a flight test, the results show that the aircraft fully meets technical specifications [and is] ready to go into operation," said the airline's CEO Dang Tat Thang in a statement.
According to a statement made by transport authorities, Bamboo Airways' first domestic flights "are aimed at reducing pressure on aviation infrastructure in major cities, strengthening regional links (and) promoting tourism to Vietnam." The authority also adds that the carrier plans to operate 100 routes, including less-traveled destinations in Vietnam and Asia, with plans to fly to North America in the future.
Established in 2017 by the real estate giant FLC Group, Bamboo Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding for buying 20 787 Dreamliners and 24 Airbus A321neo airplanes from Boeing. The airline will be based at Phu Cat Airport in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province.
[Photo via Nguoi Dua Tin]
