Lao Airlines Orders Two ATR 72-500s

Lao Airlines has signed a contract with ATR for the purchase of two new ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. Lao Airlines is a long-term ATR customer, having operated ATRs successfully since 1994.

ATR will deliver the two new 70-seat ATR 72-500s by the end of 2010, completing the expansion and renewal of the ATR fleet that began last year, with the ATR fleet growing to a total of four ATR 72-500s.

Lao Airlines’ President, Dr Somphone Douangdara, said, “Lao Airlines has ordered two more ATR 72-500s because ATRs always prove their worth. We’ve operated ATRs for 16 years and value their unbeatable performance, reliability, efficiency, ease of maintenance, environmental sensitivity and comfort. We know our new ATRs will meet our needs perfectly, give us the lowest seat-mile costs in their class, keep us flying on time and keep our customers satisfied.”

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added, “Lao Airlines’ latest order highlights the continued strength of our relationship and further reinforces ATR’s major presence in South East Asia. Operators in this region appreciate our aircraft and support, and we certainly appreciate all their new and repeat business in this fast-growing part of the world.”

Lao Airlines’ ATR 72-500s are powered by PW 127M engines, providing outstanding short-field performance for aircraft of this size, even at difficult ‘hot and high’ airfields. They are also fitted with ATR’s ‘Elegance’ cabin, which incorporates wide, ergonomic seats, variable LED lighting and plenty of storage space, and is designed to provide a welcoming, attractive and comfortable travelling environment.

Established in 1989, Lao Airlines is the national carrier of Laos. From its base at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, it serves ten destinations in Laos, three in Thailand, two in Cambodia, two in China and two in Vietnam. It currently operates two ATR 72-200s, two ATR 72-500s and four other aircraft. In 2007 and 2008 Lao Airlines received the International Arch of Europe Award, in recognition of its commitment to quality, leadership, technology and innovation.

Lao National Tourism Press Conference @ ATF 2010 in January

One of the best press conferences held during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2010 in Brunei was from Laos who held the pc at 09:00 on the final day (28 January 2010). The main speaker (in the middle) was Mr. Sounth Manivong, Director General, Planning and Cooperation Department, Project Director of STDP, Lao National Tourism Administration, who was assisted by the gentleman to his right - Mr. Khom Douangchantha, Director, International Relations Division, Lao National Tourism Administration, and Mr. Willy Hsieh, Representative, Lao National Tourism Administration to his left.  The video has been cut into 4 parts, with the first at the top.

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

See also: HD Videos from Singapore Airshow 2010

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