Lao Airlines

Lao Airlines is an airline based in Vientiane, Laos. It is the national airline of Laos, operating domestic services to ten destinations and international services to Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Its main base is Wattay International Airport, Vientiane.

History

The airline was established and started operations in September 1976 as Lao Aviation. The name was changed to Lao Airlines in early 2003. It is wholly owned by the Government of Laos.[1]

Flying mainly to small airfields in mountainous, tropical Laos, the airline acquired a not-too-favorable reputation for safety, several flights being lost over the years. Lately, with better aircraft and airfields, this reputation has been overcome. Reliability is now complying to international standards, at least for ATR 72 aircraft.

Destinations

As of November 2008, Lao Airlines operates scheduled flights to the following destinations:[2][3]

Cambodia

* Phnom Penh
* Siem Reap

China

* Kunming

Laos

* Houei Sai (Ban Huoeisay Airport)
* Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang International Airport)
* Oudomxay (Oudomsay Airport)
* Pakse (Pakse International Airport)
* Vientiane (Wattay International Airport)
* Xieng Khuang (Xieng Khouang Airport)
* Luang Namtha (Luang Namtha Airport)
* Savannakhet (Savannakhet Airport)

Thailand

* Bangkok
* Chiang Mai
* Udon Thani (Began November 2008 for Udon Thani - Luang Phrabang Route)

Vietnam

* Hanoi