State reviews extending carrier licences

The Ministry of Transport has asked the Government to extend the licences issued to Indochina Airlines, VietJet Air, and Jetstar Pacific Airlines.

It said though Indochina Airlines does not qualify for a licence since it has been grounded and its air operator’s certificate (AOC) was withdrawn 14 months ago, the extension of the licence will enable it to restructure its capital, repay its debts, and apply again for an AOC.

VietJet Air’s licence, issued in December 2007, has expired because the carrier has yet to operate a flight.

The ministry proposes to extended it until June 30 this year.

Besides extending its licence to December 31, 2011, the ministry also wants a similar extension given to Jetstar Pacific for changing its logo, which features an orange star as well as the Jetstar.com ID that belongs to its partner, Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar Airways.

It has asked the Government to allow operational private carrier Air Mekong to increase its registered capital by selling a 30 per cent stake to US air carrier Skywest. — VNS

Tags: Vietnam aviation, Vietnam aviation industry, Vietnam aviation market