A seaplane gets water salute as it lands on the the Noi Bai International Airport this morning. — VNS Photo Anh Tuan

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Hai Au Aviation is introducing today two of its three new Cessna seaplanes from the US that promises to provide a unique and breath-taking experience for tourists in Viet Nam.

The private aviation company has invested US$10 million for the purchase of three Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX, the latest model for 2014.

The planes each have two seats for pilots, 12 seats for passengers and wide windows designed for scenic journeys over beautiful landscapes at 150m to 3,000m above sea level.

For high-end sightseeing on these seaplanes, the country's sixth largest aviation company will provide three kinds of flights: transport flights, for passengers with fixed itineraries; scenic flights, for passengers on sightseeing tours over various bays and islands across the country; and customised flights, for individuals or groups with specific needs.

Beginning next month, Hai Au Aviation will be launching its first flight from the capital city to Ha Long Bay, a world heritage site. The flight promises to reduce tourists' travel time from four hours by bus to only 30 minutes by plane, with the added benefit of a scenic journey. Beyond merely providing connecting flights between Ha Noi and the bay, the seaplanes will take passengers on scenic flights over the bay as well.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony at Noi Bai International Airport, Luong Hoai Nam, Hai Au Aviation Vice Chairman and General Director, presented an optimistic view of the potential for general aviation in Viet Nam.

"Our country, with so many islands, rivers and lakes, has a unique opportunity to capitalise on general aviation for tourism," Nam said. "With more than 7 million international tourists coming to the country, Viet Nam is in a perfect position to exploit this potentials and boost luxury tourism to destinations which are difficult to reach by land."

"With Ha Long Bay in the North, Nha Trang, Ninh Van and Van Phong in the Centre, and the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta in the South, there are so many destinations in Viet Nam that could see incredible growth from improved aviation," Nam added.

The company is expecting its third seaplane to arrive by the end of this year and is looking forward to further expanding its service to the South, between HCM City and various tourist spots in Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Can Tho and An Giang, as well as Con Dao and Phu Quoc.

Hai Au Aviation is introducing today two of its three new Cessna seaplanes that promises to provide a unique and breath-taking experience for tourists in Viet Nam. — VNS Photo Anh Tuan

"Seaplane service by Hai Au Aviation will bring new tourism and travel opportunities to international tourists in Viet Nam," Nam noted. "They can visit our country's most famous destinations more quickly and in better comfort, experience the incredible natural scenery from above and take in panoramic views that will prove to be a unique experience for them."

Hai Au Aviation officials also revealed that they were discussing other long-term purchasing contracts with US seaplane manufacturer Cessna.

To mark its launching celebration, the company is offering a special promotion: tourists who purchase one seaplane ticket may either get another one for free, or get a free overnight stay at a four-star hotel or floating yacht in Ha Long Bay, or get 50 per cent off on a scenic flight over Ha Long Bay. — VNS