Lao Airlines buys ATRs
July 13, 2012 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under Aviation, Laos PDR, News
FARNBOROUGH, 13 July 2012: Lao Airlines signed off on a contract for the purchase of two ATR 72-600s, valued at US$47 million on list prices.
One of the aircraft will join the fleet November this year and another in June, 2013. Currently, Lao Airlines has four ATR72-500 aircraft.
Lao Airlines president, Dr Somphone Douangdara, said: “The acquisition of these two aircraft will help us to maintain a modern fleet and upgrade the level of onboard services.”
“We want to offer better access for the Laotian travelling public and make them feel at ease flying.”
He added: “These new airplanes will be introduced at an important stage of our country’s development to meet growing demand in transport and tourism.”
The ATR 72-600 will be equipped with new Giugiaro cabin interiors and will be powered by PW 127M engines. Also, the ATR 72-600s feature more baggage space for the passengers.
“He added: “These new airplanes will be introduced at an important stage of our country’s development to meet growing demand in transport and tourism.”
Opening up for the likes of Air Asia would “develope” a hell of a lot quicker and reducing your rates would fill your planes as well. Not even talking about the number of tourists that surely would increase to the more remote airports whithin the Lao PDR.
Good work Lao Airlines – the ATR is a very nice aircraft and quite comfortable (short haul).