Bamboo Airways started operating on January 16, 2019. The aviation unit of FLC Group plans to launch direct flights connecting Ha Noi and Prague to explore the Eastern Europe market.— VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung

Viet Nam’s newest airline, Bamboo Airways, was working with authorities in the Czech Republic to complete procedures to launch Ha Noi-Prague direct flights, according to a representative of the carrier.

Bamboo Airways and Prague’s international airport inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the matter on Wednesday.

Under the MoU, Prague airport will apply various incentives for the Vietnamese carrier including market research and promotions, policies on take-off and landing, and cost of passenger services.

Upon the operation of the Ha Noi-Prague direct route, travel time from Viet Nam to the Czech Republic is expected to be reduced to just 12 hours.

In addition, the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Transport has voiced its support for the carrier’s plan to launch direct flights linking the two nations.

It also vowed to work with agencies of the European country and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to help Bamboo Airways complete procedures for flight permission as regulated.

Vice President of Bamboo Airways Duong Thi Mai Hoa said the airline’s new direct flights would serve as a bridge, fostering bilateral economic co-operation as well as travel and trade activities.

The direct route would be an important step for Bamboo Airways’ plan to expand in Eastern Europe in particular and the European market in the future, she added.

Bamboo Airways also announced its first charter flights to the Republic of Korea and Japan earlier this month.

By the end of this year, its fleet will have risen to 40, including Airbus A320, A321 Neo, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes. — VNS