Press Release

SALE Leases A320 to Lao Airlines

12 Jun 2003

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) has signed an agreement for the lease of one Airbus A320 to Lao Airlines. The aircraft will be the first Airbus type to be operated by the carrier, which was previously known as Lao Aviation, and will be delivered at the end of the month on a three-year term.

Lao Airlines plans to operate the A320 on its international services linking Vientiane with key destinations in South East Asia and China, including Bangkok, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Kunming. The aircraft is being delivered direct to the carrier following a full technical overhaul and cabin refurbishment in the UK. Featuring the airline's bright new livery, the A320 will be configured in a two-class layout, seating 20 passengers in business class and 120 in the main cabin.

Dr Somphone Douangdara, President of Lao Airlines, said that with the A320 the airline would be able to offer its passengers increased comfort, while at the same time benefiting from the optimised operating costs offered by the aircraft under lease conditions.

"With a new look, new product and the A320 in its fleet, Lao Airlines will be able to take its place alongside the other major carriers of South East Asia," he said. "We are grateful to the support we have received from SALE in enabling us to acquire this aircraft and upgrade our fleet."

Robert Martin, Managing Director of SALE, said that the company was proud to be involved in the development of the Lao national carrier.

"Laos is one of the last undiscovered tourist destinations of Asia, offering potential for significant growth in both the tourist and business sectors," he said. "Lao Airlines will now be able to compete more effectively for a major share of traffic into the country and we look forward to playing a role in its future success."

Established in 1993, SALE has swiftly grown to become one of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies, with a portfolio currently comprising 47 modern aircraft. Offering true global coverage, SALE has offices in Singapore, London, Washington D.C. and San Diego, California.

Lao Airlines is wholly owned by the government of Laos. In addition to regional international services, the carrier operates an extensive domestic network.

For further information, please contact:
Sean Lee
Tel: +65 6325 9557
e-mail: [email protected]