According to Thang, the VND700-billion (USD31.8 million) airline will take a different path from its domestic counterparts, elaborating that it will focus on direct services linking international markets with emerging tourist destinations in Vietnam, instead of major urban areas like Hanoi and HCM City where the aviation infrastructure is already overloaded.
Bamboo Airways expected to begin commercial flights by the end of 2018
The priority will be given to localities where FLC has built major tourist complexes, including Quang Ninh, Hai Phong in the north, Thanh Hoa and Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh Province) in the central region, and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province) and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province) in the south.
The decision was made based on FLC’s analysis on the actual demand of passengers, particularly then the group has built six golf course and tourism resorts in Vietnam.
“We have recognised the big demand of both local and international people to Vietnamese tourist destinations, including those where FLC’s resorts are located in. Meanwhile, current airlines mostly conduct air routes to big cities, not pay much attention to direct flights to these destinations,” Thang added.
“For instance, in many cases, we have asked airlines to increase their flights to meet our customers who want to come to attend our golf events,” he said.
Thang highlighted that Bamboo Airways will be a “hybrid” carrier, a new type in the aviation sector in the world, besides traditional and low-cost carriers. It is a combination of the two existing types and aimed at services that address the diverse needs of passengers.
After completing legal procedures and securing favourable conditions, Bamboo Airways will begin commercial flights by the end of 2018.
Thang revealed that FLC is working with many big partners on the purchase of aeroplanes. It will recruit senior aviation experts for the operation of Bamboo Airways.
