Lao Airlines start Flights to Singapore and Vientiane

Lao Airlines has launched thrice-weekly flights between Singapore and Vientiane.Lao Airlines will operate the new route with its brand new A320 aircraft in a two-class 142-seat configuration.The service will depart Vientiane on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 15:05, arriving at Changi Airport at 18:30 on the same day.The return flight will depart Changi at 19:40 and arrive in Vientiane at 21:05.Lao Airlines’ direct service comes on the back of strong bilateral ties between the two countries. Singapore is among Laos’ top 10 foreign investors, with investments in sectors ranging from manufacturing to hospitality.

In the first nine months of this year, bilateral trade saw a substantial growth of 40% year-on-year to reach about US$29 million. Singapore and Laos have also been regular cooperation and exchange partners since Laos joined ASEAN in 1997, across areas such as education, healthcare and tourism.In terms of air traffic, the number of passengers travelling between the two countries has grown steadily over the last five years. During this period, Singapore visitor arrivals into Laos grew about 8% annually to about 6,100 in 20102, while the number of visitors from Laos increased by some 25% every year to about 5,200 in 2010.

Culturally rich Laos, is home to many ancient wonders. From Vientiane where many ancient temples are sited, tourists can journey onward to several old world charms in neighbouring provinces, such as the mysterious Plain of Jars and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Luang Prabang and the Vat Phou Temple complex.On the other hand, travellers from Laos can visit Singapore for tourism, medical and education activities, as well as use Singapore as a stopover point to other destinations.