New Lao Carrier Changes Name Before Takeoff:

Phongsavanh Airlines, which plans to become Laos' first privately owned airline, has already changed its name to Lao Central Airlines, but has yet to confirm an exact launch date.

TTRWeekly reported Phongsavanh Airlines, which belongs to lumber and construction giant, the Phongsavanh Group, will trade as Lao Central Airlines. The airline has hired Price Waterhouse Coopers to create a business plan and study the airline's financial structure.

One of the airline's executive board committee members, Thongsay Inthisane, told the local press that the project would strengthen the country's aviation business.

The new airline originally said it would start services earlier this year, with four daily flights from Vientiane to Bangkok, using two 150-seat A320s, but the plan failed to materialize.

According to TTRWeekly, company directors claimed they had ordered three Russian Sukhoi Superjet-100 aircraft with six options. These planes are due for delivery next year.

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