Airbus - Aircraft Manufacturer

Date 08.11.2011

First A320 for national carrier welcomed in Vientiane

Lao Airlines, the national carrier of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), has taken delivery of the first of two A320 aircraft ordered from Airbus. The new aircraft was welcomed in the Lao capital Vientiane at a special ceremony today attended by Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thierry Mariani, French Minister of Transport.

The second A320 ordered by Lao Airlines is scheduled to arrive in Vientiane next month, with the aircraft entering service on routes to key destinations in South East Asia, including Bangkok and Singapore. The A320s are the first jet aircraft to be purchased by Lao Airlines and feature a high comfort two class layout seating 126 passengers in the main cabin and 16 in Business Class. The aircraft are powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

"The A320 will see Lao Airlines introduce a new level of premium service as we expand our international route network," said Somphone Douangdara, President of Lao Airlines. "In addition to the highest standards of in-flight comfort, Lao Airlines will also benefit from the extremely low operating costs offered by these modern, fuel-efficient aircraft."

"We are pleased to welcome Lao Airlines as a new Airbus operator," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. "With the A320 in its fleet, Lao Airlines joins over 260 airlines worldwide operating the industry’s best-selling single aisle product line, offering proven passenger appeal, outstanding reliability and unbeatable operating costs."

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark in its class. With more than 7,900 aircraft sold and over 4,800 delivered, it is the world’s most successful single-aisle aircraft product line.