SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, has signed a codeshare agreement with Lao Airlines for its flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, providing SilkAir and Lao Airlines customers more options when travelling to and from Singapore and Laos.
From 31 October 2016, SilkAir will offer three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. With the new codeshare agreement in place, customers have a choice of six weekly flights to Laos shared between both airlines.
SilkAir flights will operate in a circular routing and will depart from Singapore for Vientiane, followed by Luang Prabang, before heading back to Singapore. This new service will connect Laos with the joint Singapore Airlines – SilkAir network of over 100 cities worldwide via the Singapore Changi Airport hub.
Under the agreement which takes effect on 1 September 2016 (subject to regulatory approval), SilkAir will add its ‘MI’ designator code to selected Lao Airlines-operated flights between Singapore, Vientiane and Luang Prabang. On a reciprocal basis, Lao Airlines will add its ‘QV’ designator code to selected SilkAir-operated flights between Singapore, Vientiane and Luang Prabang when flights commence on 31 October 2016.
A signing ceremony was held today at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), with Vice-President Commercial, Mr. Ryan Pua, representing SilkAir and Vice President Planning & Co-operation, Mr. Sengpraseuth Mathouchanh, representing Lao Airlines. The signing was witnessed by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan and Lao PDR’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith.
“We are delighted to seal this agreement, which will allow us to promote Laos as an emerging destination more effectively to our vast network. We hope the enhanced connectivity will bring about a greater flow of visitors between the countries,” said SilkAir’s Mr. Pua.
“The establishment of a codeshare cooperation between Lao Airlines and SilkAir will strengthen the relationship between Laos and Singapore as part of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). This cooperation will especially help to promote the tourist and investment activities among the two countries as well as ASEAN countries.” said Lao Airlines’ Mr. Mathouchanh.
Source: Aviation Tribune
