Vietnam - Air Mekong suspends flights from March 2013

VietNamNet Bridge - For the reason of restructuring its fleet and personnel, Air Mekong is going to stop its flights from March 1, 2013.

Passengers and ticket agents are confused after Air Mekong announced to sell air tickets until February 28. The airline’s website also updates flight schedules from January 31 through February 28, 2013 only.

Mr. Vo Huy Cuong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Civil Aviation Administration, confirms that Air Mekong will suspend flights from March 1. "Air Mekong has just registered its flight schedules until February 28 and it does not mention the plan after that day," he says.

The reason for the suspension is said to restructure the fleet which is more than two years old now, according to a representative of the Vietnam Civil Aviation Administration. After a period of exploitation, realizing that Bombardier aircrafts are not suitable, Air Mekong will return the fleet to its providers from March to look for other aircrafts.

"We do not know whether Air Mekong will choose Boeing or Airbus for its restructuring plan of its fleet," he adds.

Air Mekong currently operates four Bombardier CRJ900, the 90-seat commercial aircraft manufactured by Canada.

According to the representative from the Vietnam Civil Aviation Administration, Air Mekong will probably give some other restructuring plans in terms of personnel. After February 28, the firm will suspend its flights but it will continue other registered commercial activities.

Air Mekong has also confirmed the suspension of flying time from March 1 to change the fleet.

The firm says that it has previously announced on the suspension so its passengers are not affected. Air Mekong does not fix the period of suspension.

Air Mekong is the third private airline licensed in Vietnam, after Indochina Airlines and Vietjet Air. Becoming operational since the end of 2010, the company focuses on the local routes from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang to Phu Quoc and Da Lat.

There is information that the company plans to use Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 from the end of this year.

S. Tung

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