This follows the delivery of two brand new Airbus A320s, which effectively doubles capacity for the national flag carrier of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Prior to this, Lao Airlines’ fleet consisted of eight turboprop aircraft – four ATR72-500s and four MA-60s. The two A320s will also be deployed on existing services to Bangkok, Kunming, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City as well as on domestic services linking Vientiane to Luang Prabang (pictured) and Pakse.

Each A320 is configured with 16 business class and 126 economy class seats.

Lao Airlines’ thrice-weekly flights linking Vientiane and Singapore create yet another gateway for Singaporeans and Singapore-based expatriate communities and visitors.

The timing of the flights arriving at and departing Singapore offers excellent connections for visitors from Europe, Australia, South Asia and the rest of Southeast Asia. Lao Airlines’ President Dr Somphone Douantdara said, “Lao Airlines is on the threshold of a new and exciting growth trajectory, one that is in tune with the upswing in tourism to Laos. The introduction of new Airbus A320s into our fleet and the opening of a non-stop service to Singapore greatly expands our capacity to tap into the potential feed through our gateways in Bangkok and Singapore.”

Lao Airlines will concentrate on building brand-awareness for the airline in an effort to promote the new service to Singapore but will at the same time co-operate with the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) and the Laotian tourism industry to promote travel to Laos.

Growing trade ties between Laos and Singapore along with increasing investments by Singapore-based companies in Laos has resulted in a higher volume of corporate travellers between the two countries.

Prior to this, travellers from Singapore to Laos needed to fly via either Thailand or Vietnam. BL Khoo, managing director of Universal Travel Corporation Singapore, said this inconvenience has resulted in a minimal number of Singapore tourists travelling to Laos as compared to other Asian countries.

“Although Laos is well known for its stunning nature, rich cultures and traditions and peaceful lifestyle, it is like a hidden treasure yet to be discovered by many.”

Following the promotion of the new services, Khoo said the company has generated more than 200 bookings and it is still growing strong.

“These numbers are promising and encouraging. Laos will certainly serve as another choice of destination for many Singapore travellers; offering a different kind of experience.”

Lao Airlines has appointed Maple Aviation as its general sales agent (GSA) in Singapore.