Vietnam start-up Bamboo Airways secures licence after delayed launch

Vietnam’s start-up Bamboo Airways has secured a licence from the local authorities, the company said, opening the way for its maiden flight in January after a string of delays. Bamboo, owned by hotel and leisure firm FLC Group will operate 37 routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations in Vietnam to “reduce pressure on aviation infrastructure”, the airline said. “In 2019, Bamboo Airways will also launch international air flights to Asian countries, starting with Japan, Korea and Singapore,” it said, adding that it also intended to operate flights to Europe, without elaborating. Vietnam’s fifth airline signed a provisional deal in July to buy 20 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets worth $5.6 billion at list prices, and a memorandum of understanding in March with Airbus for up to 24 A320neo narrow-bodied aircraft.<br/>