Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA Image : Lao Airlines
The Lao government is considering a proposal from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to acquire a majority stake in Lao Airlines, according to the Asia News Network. The proposal comes as the Lao government seeks to reform key state-owned enterprises to improve their operations after years of continuous losses.
On 9 June 2025, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said at the National Assembly (NA) that Lao Airlines is one of four key state-owned enterprises undergoing reform, the other three being Lao Electricity, Lao National Fuel Company and Nayobay Bank. Sonexay told members of the 9th legislature of the National Assembly that the government is "considering COMAC's proposal for comprehensive cooperation, especially its proposal to hold at least 51% of Lao Airlines' shares".
In October 2024, COMAC signed a joint venture Memorandum Of Understanding with Lao Airlines.
Currently, an independent auditing company is conducting an audit to determine the total value of Lao Airlines' assets.
Prime Minister Sonexay said COMAC had also asked Lao Airlines to operate commercial flights using its aircraft, something the airline was already doing, as a COMAC C909 aircraft joined its fleet in April this year.
The aircraft, acquired through a leasing agreement with COMAC, is equipped with 90 Economy Class seats and has been put into service on major domestic routes in Laos, including Vientiane-Pakse and Vientiane-Savanakhet.
According to Lao Airlines, plans have been made to expand operations to other destinations, especially in China.
COMAC also provides comprehensive support services to ensure that operating standards meet strict international safety regulations.
Lao Airlines' scheduled flight network covers at least 10 international destinations and 7 airports in Laos, and connects destinations in China and South Korea through charter flights.
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