Government officials have announced that they are in the process of pursuing a strategic partner for the state-owned enterprise, Lao Airlines, in an effort to improve operational efficiencies across its portfolio.
However, despite the push for an outside investor, government spokesman, Mr Chaleun Yiapaoher has clarified that Laos will not seek to abandon the carrier as a whole.
Speaking on the topic Mr Chaleun stated, “The government’s improvement intention is not to sell [the whole enterprise], but to seek overseas airline shareholders.”
The report claims several investors have expressed an interest in Lao Airlines and are currently conducting a due diligence of the company.
Lao Airlines is the official national airline of Laos, headquartered in Vientiane. It operates four A320-200s, three ATR72-500s, and three ATR72-600s on scheduled passenger flights to Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Pakse, Savannakhet, and Xieng Khouang domestically. Internationally , the airline travels to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Busan, Changzhou, Chengdu, Chiang Mai, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming Changshui, Seoul Incheon, and Siem Reap.
