Bamboo Airways has finally received its operator's license from the Vietnamese Aviation Authority. The carrier, which had hoped to launch flights in October, has had to wait for this license. The news effectively gives Bamboo Airways the green light to commence commercial operations and to become Vietnam's 5th carrier along with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Jetstar Pacific, and Hai Au. Hoping to operate over 100 routes, the airline is hoping to cash in on the country's growing tourist figures.

Land Of Opportunity

Now is the perfect time to be launching an airline in Vietnam. The country's aviation industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate, 17.4% over the last decade. The growth is mainly being driven by the increase in tourism in the country. This, in turn, is creating greater demands for additional flights. In fact, the number of passengers currently being carrier by Vietnamese airlines is expected to increase 16% by 2020, a figure which is already up 16% from 2016. Now Bamboo Airlines is expected to cash in on this demand.]

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Mixed Fleet

Bamboo Airlines will use both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. While the airline's Boeing order is for less aircraft, it comes in at more than the company's Airbus order. Bamboo Airline's parent company, the FLC Group, has ordered 20 Boeing B787-9 aircraft. That deal is worth $5.6 billion. In contrast, the FLC Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus. This would see the aircraft acquiring 24 A321neo aircraft. This deal is worth $3.2 billion.

Bamboo Airways
Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of FLC Group signs an agreement with Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus for A321 aircraft. Photo: Airbus

Flights To Launch In 45 Days

The FLC Group's Chairman, Trinh Van Quyet, has previously told Reuters that Bamboo Air intends to begin operations within 45 days of receiving their aviation license. The airline had hoped to begin operations on the 10th of October. This was however delayed, as it has taken an additional month to receive the permit. When releasing a statement regarding the issuance of the license, the Vietnamese government said that Bamboo's first route will be between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Bamboo Airways
Bamboo Airways' first route will operate from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Image: GCMaps

The airline plans to operate 100 routes. This would be a mix of domestic and international routes. While some of the flights will serve low demand routes to Vietnam. The airline will also operate routes to Asia, both major and minor routes. In the future, Bamboo Airways also aspires to fly routes to North America. The airline intends to primarily compete with VietJet and Vietnam Airlines.

We can't wait to see Bamboo Airways take their inaugural flight. When do you think this will take place? Let us know in the comments down below!