Trinh Van Quyet is confident that with the group's network of resort facilities across the country, Bamboo Airways has everything it needs to succeed.
Illustration photo.
|
On July 9, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc gave a go-ahead to the Bamboo Airways Investment project at Phu Cat Airport, Binh Dinh province with Viet Bamboo Airlines, a subsidiary of FLC Group as project owner.
However, according to Quyet, there remain works to be done. "It probably takes a few months to complete the preparation process, so that Bamboo Airways' first flight can be launched on October 10 at the earliest," he added.
Moreover, Quyet said FLC signed a contract with Airbus to buy 24 aircraft in March, which are expected to be delivered from January 2020 or maybe sooner, if possible. The group in June reached an agreement with Boeing to purchase 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with a vision to serve long international air routes to Europe and the US.
FLC Groups has been preparing for the birth of this airline over the last four years, Quyet added. "In the 2019 - 2020 period, FLC Group will have over 20 resort complexes. I believe a combination of air transport and tourism will be the way moving forward for Bamboo Airways."
"Our tourism infrastructures and network of resorts have brought benefits to other airlines. Thus, there is no reason for this project to fail," Quyet stressed.
Referring to some short-lived airlines in the past, Quyet pointed to the fact that they only operated a few planes.
"We will operate 20 aircraft in 2018 right after we have our hands on it, including via wet leasing and dry leasing. There has not been any airline better prepared than us. In 2019, we will have an addition of 20 - 30 aircraft to meet growing transport demand of passengers," Quyet tipped.
"Otherwise, we could be short-lived like other airlines," he continued.
Quyet revealed that Bamboo Airways' first routes will be Ho Chi Minh City - Quy Nhon or Hanoi - Quy Nhon, and later Van Don - Quang Binh, Van Don - Quy Nhon, or Thanh Hoa - Quy Nhon, Thanh Hoa - Can Tho.
"We will prioritize domestic routes which are often ignored by other airlines," Quyet concluded.
