Lao Airlines to open flights to HCM City

Photo: Internet The Lao national carrier, Lao Airlines, will open a route from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, with a transit at Pakse, Champasak Province, with two flights a week. The first flight will operate on October 19th. Flights will depart from Vientiane on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and from HCM City on every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The airline will use ATR72- 500 aircraft with a capacity of 72 passengers. Staff of Lao Airlines’ ticket offices said that round-trip tickets for flights from HCM City to Vientiane (transiting at Pakse) costs VND 10 million (an equivalence to USD 501) while the ticket prices for two ways from HCM City to Pakse and vice versa are more than VND 5.3 million (nearly USD 259). These prices include VAT and other charges. Currently, Lao Airlines operate flights to Cambodia, China, and Thailand and its major base is Wattay International Airport, Vientiane Capital. The airline was established and began its operation in September 1976 with the name of Lao Aviation. The trademark was changed into Lao Airlines in early 2003.