News
Bamboo Airways leases A320neos from CDB Leasing
November 2nd 2018
Vietnamese start-up, Bamboo Airways, missed its October 10 inauguration after failing to obtain all the relevant permits in time for the launch flight Vietnamese media has since reported the airline aims to start operations “before the end of the year”. Read More » Bamboo Airways is Vietnam’s first hybrid airline, combining a traditional full-service model with low-cost solutions. Bamboo Airways is a subsidiary Vietnamese financial, tourism, mining and real estate conglomerate, FLC Group.
This week, Bamboo Airways signed a lease agreement with Hong Kong’s CDB Aviation for three new A320neo aircraft from the lessor’s order book with Airbus. The three planes are scheduled for delivery to Bamboo in the second half of 2019. CDB Aviation is the first aircraft lessor to lease new aircraft to the carrier and Bamboo Airways is CDB Leasing’s first airline customer in Vietnam.
“We are pleased to welcome our newest, and first, customer in Vietnam, Bamboo Airways, and to support the carrier’s ambitious development plans to meet demand from the country’s booming tourism industry and rapid international air travel growth,” said CDB Aviation CEO, Patrick Hannigan.
“We are eager to receive the aircraft from CDB Aviation, our strategic partner,” said Bamboo Airways CEO, Dang Tat Thang. “This is an important step in the journey of Bamboo Airways to prepare the best.
Earlier this year, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 24 A321neo. At the signing ceremony, the airline said it would order an equal number of A321LRs after its business license was approved.
Shortly after signing the Airbus MoU, Bamboo agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing for the purchase of 20 B787-9s. Bamboo Airways plans to operate domestic and international flights to tourist domestic destinations including cities where FLC hotels and resorts are located. It will compete withier Vietnam Airlines and LCCs VietJet Air and Jetstar Pacific.
The biggest challenge to aviation development in Vietnam is infrastructure bottlenecks. Slots at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are filling up quickly slots and there is a shortage of ramp space. Addressing the growing congestion, Bamboo Airways said it would fly passengers directly to Quy Nhon, Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thanh Hoa, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang.
