Direct flight btw Singapore and Laos!, Lao Airlines set to open Vientiane-Singapore direct flight Options

[JoveejuOoOo]

News Link! http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/P...s%20set%20t.htm

Lao Airlines is to launch direct flights from Vientiane to Singapore at the end of the year, giving a major boost to economic cooperation between the two Asean members.

Lao Airlines Planning and Cooperation Department Head Mr Noudeng Chanthaphasouk said yesterday that the company had filed a request with Singaporean authorities to open a representative office in Singapore.

“Singapore has approved our request in principle,” he told Vientiane Times yesterday, adding that the company has already appointed the representative office head for Singapore, who will begin work next month on preparing for the launch of the three-hour route.

Mr Noudeng said that the company will use an Airbus A320 aircraft to fly the Wattay to Changi International Airport route, adding that the 140 seat French-built aircraft will arrive in Vientiane in October before the route takes off in November.

He said that the airline will operate three flights a week from Vientiane to Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays after market research showed that demand for a direct flight between Laos and Singapore is on the increase due to the strengthened relations and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The decision means that direct flights between the two countries will return for first time since SinAir of Singapore cancelled the route in the 1990s.

Mr Noudeng said that Lao Airlines had conducted a feasibility study for the route; finding out the majority of customers would be diplomats, business people and international tourists wanting to visit Laos via Changi International Airport.

“Changi International Airport is one of the top transit airports in the region and the new flight will mean it is now possible to take passengers directly from the airport to Laos,” he said.

He also said a large number of Lao people living in the United States, Canada and Europe would fly to Singapore before continuing on a direct flight to Vientiane, adding that the new route will make travel cheaper.

Singaporean investment is increasing in Laos including the construction of an extension to the Talat Sao Shopping Mall in Vientiane, which is expected to open by the end of this year. Another Singaporean firm also plans to build a new market near Sikhai market in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane.

According to a report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Singapore is the 10th largest foreign investor in Laos with an investment value of about US$113 million from 2000 to 2009.

The Lao government is working hard to directly connect Laos to other Asean capital cities in order to reduce the over reliance on Thailand as a transit hub for Laos-bound travellers. The closure of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport during political unrest a few years ago led directly to a reduction of the number of international tourists in Laos.

Lao Airlines also reopened Vientiane-Xishuangbanna direct flights in July after the route was closed due to low passenger numbers a few years ago.

[Buddhalove]

Nice, oversea Lao don't have to waste their time at Bangkock anymore. direct flight from Singapore to Viengchan, Laos.

[tangawizi]

Cool!!!!

I am sure it'll be cheaper than Silk Air!!!

[JoveejuOoOo]

Cool!!!!

I am sure it'll be cheaper than Silk Air!!!

Thank Buddha!!!

It's better then going through Thailand Airport and wait their for 5 to 7 hours just to go to Laos. I think now a days Lao travelers and other westerner rather go to Laos directly because they want to get their in time for vacation and business. Also most rather spend their money in Laos then in Thai Airport filled with Thai whores nagging for you're service. Also this is an opportunity for Singaporean businessmen who wanted to start a business in Laos with direct flight between both country. I think it would be a great opportunity for any country now for any business and investment with much space inside Laos beautiful landscape and fresh air.

[Buddhalove]

some stuck at bangkok for more than 24 hrs, and have to spend money on that ladyboy capital city.

[PingLing]

Lao Airlines is owned by Chinese.

[Bounthy]

Lao Airlines is owned by Chinese.

The original name was Lao Aviation, which China Yunnan Airlines used to share holder with the Lao government from late 1990 to early 2000. Since 2003, it has been officially owned by the Lao government and changed its name to Lao Airlines.

[Bounthy]

some stuck at bangkok for more than 24 hrs, and have to spend money on that ladyboy capital city.

It depends on your flight schedules, you may get stuck in Singapore as well.
For instance, if you depart from the east coast of the US and fly through Europe, chances are that you likely arrive early morning at Bangkok and from there catch the flight the same day to Vientiane using either Lao Airlines or Thai Airways International. Most people who chose to travel through the west coast via Narita end up arriving late night at Bangkok and had to wait the next day before boarding for Vientiane. The same pain occurs on the way back to the US.

[tangawizi]

Which airport is better for getting stuck? Bangkok or Singapore?

I like Bangkok's cuz you can get massages all day long!

[Buddhalove]

Lao Airlines is owned by Chinese.

You're late by about 11 years. They used to own part of it, but not now a day.

[Buddhalove]

It depends on your flight schedules, you may get stuck in Singapore as well.
For instance, if you depart from the east coast of the US and fly through Europe, chances are that you likely arrive early morning at Bangkok and from there catch the flight the same day to Vientiane using either Lao Airlines or Thai Airways International. Most people who chose to travel through the west coast via Narita end up arriving late night at Bangkok and had to wait the next day before boarding for Vientiane. The same pain occurs on the way back to the US.

Alternative Route to get to Laos. It's better than just one.