Vietnam's Bamboo Airways expects to get aviation licence next week
Vietnam’s new carrier Bamboo Airways expects to finally get an aviation licence next week and start flying within weeks.
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An artist's impression of the Bamboo Airways airplane. Photo courtesy of Bamboo Airways
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"Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved the proposal from the Ministry of Transport to issue the licence to the airline," Trinh Van Quyet, chairman of FLC Group, told Reuters by phone.
"We will launch our first flight within 45 days after receiving the licence," Quyet said. "Receiving the licence would allow Bamboo to start services."
Bamboo Airways would be Vietnam’s fifth airline after Vietnam Airlines, budget operator Jetstar Pacific Airlines, budget carrier Vietjet Aviation and Vietnam Air Services Co.
Bamboo Airways signed a provisional deal to buy 20 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets worth US$5.6 billion at list prices in July, as well as a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for up to 24 A320neo narrow-bodies in March.
Last week, Vietjet signed a US$6.5 billion agreement to buy 50 Airbus A321neo jets, part of aggressive investment in the airline’s fleet, which has provided lucrative business for both European aerospace group Airbus and US rival Boeing.
