Vietnam Airlines' charter subsidiary, Vietnam Air Service (Vasco), is planning to launch scheduled passenger services using two Antonov An-38 turboprops wet-leased from the manufacturer.
Vasco, which has until now been a charter passenger and cargo carrier, will take delivery of the Honeywell TPE331-powered aircraft next month on a two-year wet lease, says Vasco. The Ukrainian manufacturer is also providing pilots and mechanics, but in the longer term Vasco plans to train its own pilots, it says.
"We are leasing the aircraft first and if it all checks out we plan to purchase the aircraft," it says.
Vasco aims to operate the An-38s on short-haul routes from Ho Chi Minh to small cities in Vietnam such as Can Tho and Con Son.
The carrier has no plans to launch international scheduled passenger services, he says. Vietnam Airlines also operates scheduled domestic passenger services, but focuses on the main trunk routes.
In addition, Vietnam Airlines operates scheduled domestic passenger services but concentrates on the main trunk routes.
Source: Flight International
