Lao Airlines vice president, Sengpraseuth Mathouchanh, has commented to local media that the increase of international airlines into Laos should spur the growth of tourism in Laos and promote healthy competition. Thai Air is the first foreign airline to fly into Laos, with a Bangkok-Luang Prabang flight, which started on 24 March. It will add a second service, Bangkok-Vientiane, from July 1. Silk Air will launch three weekly flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang from 31 October.
Mathouchanh said: “Opening up Lao air space to ASEAN carriers may present a short-term challenge to Lao Airlines due to increased competition, but the airline looks at this as an opportunity to improve its service standards and differentiate itself from low cost airlines.”