michmich11
backpacker
Posts: 19

#1 Posted: 6/5/2008 - 08:42


Safe? Reliable? I've heard mixed things. Thanks!

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2784

Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 6/5/2008 - 09:04


Is Lao Airlines safe to fly? :-)

Rufus
beach masseuse
Posts: 83

#3 Posted: 6/5/2008 - 13:17


Not again! I'd be interested in what you have heard and what "experts" told you.
Yes its as safe as any airline now, and friendlier than quite a lot.

exacto
som tam seller
Posts: 688

#4 Posted: 6/5/2008 - 21:13


Mich,

I'd definitely read the "Is Lao Airlines Safe to Fly" feature article that Somtam suggests. It will help put all the info you've heard into perspective so that you can make a sound decision for yourself. There are still significant differences in quality of aircraft based on which routes you fly, but even there things have improved significantly since the airline partnered up with others to address those old concerns about safety. In short, I fly them, and most people I know who have flown with Lao Airlines would fly with them again too. Cheers.

Rufus
beach masseuse
Posts: 83

#5 Posted: 7/5/2008 - 09:11


That article is a little out of date. Laos airlines actually have not partnered up with anyone. They do share the same flight numbers with Vietnam airlines on some flights to that country.

What they have done is purchased and leased more aircraft from China and France. Their servicing is now done under the terms of an international contract.

KPTham1
flashpacker
Posts: 32

#6 Posted: 9/5/2008 - 00:06


I have flown with Lao Airlines thrice on the Vientiane /Luang Prabang sector in Dec 2006 and Dec 2007. In the interval of 1 year , I had noticed that in-flight safety standards has improved greatly. However, the ground service remained below international standard. And delays of up to 5 hours is not uncommon. I have been delayed twice for 4-5 hours on the Vientian/Luang Prabang Sector but I will fly Loas Airlines again.
Anyway, have you read of any incidence lately ?

bailin
newbie
Posts: 1

#7 Posted: 18/5/2008 - 16:15


I have flown with Lao Airlines on the Vientiane/Luang Prabang, Vinetiane/Pakse/Cambodia and Vientiane/Saysomboune routes and not had any safety concerns. I can't recall a flight without a significant delay though (2 or 3 hours) so don't rely on their timetable. Will be fying with them again later this year.