VN’s third private air carrier set for take-off

Air Mekong, Viet Nam’s third private air carrier, is scheduled to launch its first flights on October 10.

“The Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam (CAAV) will finish its checks and appraisal to enable Air Mekong’s operation next month,” the company stated in a press release.

“Air Mekong is scheduled to begin selling tickets from mid-September and to launch its first flights on October 10 of this year,” the company said.

The airline is scheduled to fly from Ha Noi and HCM City to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat and Phu Quoc. In addition, it has also asked permission to fly from HCM City to Con Dao, Buon Me Thuot, Hai Phong and Vinh.

On Sunday, the airline received delivery of four made-in-Canada Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft owned by Skywest Leasing Inc of the US. Each aircraft has 95 business and economy-class seats.

Air Mekong was established in 2009 by Ha Long Investment and Development Company. It will be headquartered at Phu Quoc Airport. The other two private carriers in Viet Nam are Indochina Airlines and VietJet AirAsia.

The CAAV said there were a number of organisations and individuals planning to launch airlines. To qualify, private operators must have a charter capital of at least VND500 billion (US$26.3 million) to fly internationally and VND200 billion ($10.5 million) to launch domestic flights. Airlines must also meet strict aviation and security standards. — VNS

Tags: Air Mekong, Vietnam aviation, Vietnam aviation industry, Vietnam aviation market