Vietnam’s startup airline Bamboo Airways has completed a long overdue maiden commercial flight which will now see competition in South-east Asia ramp up. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Noi Bat International Airport carried 5 crew and 180 passengers after securing an Air Operator Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam earlier this month. The airline’s launch flight has been twice postponed.
Bamboo Airways is the fifth Vietnamese carrier to enter into service behind Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Aviation and Vietnam Air Services Co. It is owned by Vietnamese construction company FLC and is based at Quy Nhon’s Phu Cat airport. The carrier is currently leasing two aircraft, but has orders with Boeing and Airbus for 20 787-9s and 23 A321neos, respectively. The carrier will provide domestic flights to tourist destinations where FLC has invested heavily, including Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc.
