A Bamboo Airways' plane. — Photo coutersy of FLC Group

The Ministry of Transport agreed on the need for Bamboo Airways, a subsidiary of FLC Group, to increase its fleet to 30 aircraft by 2023 after considering opinions at a meeting last week.

At the session, participants shared the view that an airline needed to have a fleet of at least 25–30 planes to operate stably and efficiently, leading to the ministry showing its support for Bamboo Airways to expand its fleet from 10 to 30 by 2023.

However, it asked the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAA) to work with agencies to assess the budget carrier’s fleet expansion plan while taking into account the aviation market’s growth until 2030, the capacity of existing airports, and the availability of the CAA’s aviation safety monitoring personnel.

Bamboo Airways was asked to clarify its aircraft operating personnel and ability to ensure security and safety.

The ministry added that based on reviews, it would report the firm’s proposal to the Prime Minister.

Earlier, Bamboo Airways had asked the ministry for permission to operate both international and domestic flights with more than 30 planes. It is currently using 10 planes with an occupancy rate of 80–90 per cent on each flight. — VNS