Lao Airlines Becomes Second Non-Chinese Carrier to Launch C909 Jet
Aircraft enters service on Vientiane–Pakse route, replacing older ATR72s
Lao Airlines has become the second non-Chinese airline to operate the COMAC C909, marking a milestone in China's push to expand the regional jet’s footprint in Southeast Asia. The 90-seat, all-economy aircraft—tail number RDPL-34229—entered commercial service on April 12, initially flying the Vientiane–Pakse route.
The airline acquired the jet via a strategic lease with COMAC after Laos’ Department of Civil Aviation certified the type on March 18. Lao Airlines received the aircraft on March 30 and has since replaced ATR72s on the route, operating 21 weekly flights. From April 13, the jet is also flying 12 times weekly on the Vientiane–Savannakhet route, replacing both ATR72s and A320-200s.
COMAC, now marketing the C909 more widely in Asia, has its sights set on Vietnam, where efforts are ongoing to secure type certification. VietJetAir has announced intentions to use the jet for its Hanoi–Con Dao route, but regulatory hurdles have delayed the plan. VietJet's earlier strategy to wet-lease C909s from Chengdu Airlines for Lunar New Year services was scrapped due to certification issues.
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The airline acquired the jet via a strategic lease with COMAC after Laos’ Department of Civil Aviation certified the type on March 18. Lao Airlines received the aircraft on March 30 and has since replaced ATR72s on the route, operating 21 weekly flights. From April 13, the jet is also flying 12 times weekly on the Vientiane–Savannakhet route, replacing both ATR72s and A320-200s.
COMAC, now marketing the C909 more widely in Asia, has its sights set on Vietnam, where efforts are ongoing to secure type certification. VietJetAir has announced intentions to use the jet for its Hanoi–Con Dao route, but regulatory hurdles have delayed the plan. VietJet's earlier strategy to wet-lease C909s from Chengdu Airlines for Lunar New Year services was scrapped due to certification issues.
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