LAO Airlines has signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of two new A320 aircraft, to be delivered in October and November. The planes will be used on routes linking Vientiane to key cities in South-east Asia, including Bangkok and Singapore.

The two aircraft will feature two class-seating configurations, with 16 business-class and 126 economy-class seats.

The flag carrier’s president, Somphone Douangdara, said: “The A320 will see Lao Airlines introduce a new level of premium service as we expand our international route network.”

Somphone added that in addition to the highest standards of in-flight comfort, Lao Airlines would also benefit from the relatively low operating costs offered by the fuel-efficient A320s.