Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Lao government has reached a cooperation agreement with the Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The agreement stipulates that the Lao government will retain a 51% stake in Lao Airlines, consolidating its controlling stake in the national carrier. Information regarding this cooperation has been formally submitted to the Lao National Assembly.
Related reports indicate that preliminary negotiations between the Lao government and COMAC have concluded, and the final confirmed shareholding structure shows the Lao government successfully retaining a majority stake in Lao Airlines. It is understood that in the early stages of negotiations, COMAC proposed acquiring a majority stake in Lao Airlines. Based on considerations of maintaining control over the national carrier, the Lao government pushed for renegotiation, ultimately determining the current cooperation plan that meets Laos's needs.
The report specifically mentions that, to accurately clarify the basis of the cooperation, the Lao side is currently engaging an independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment and authoritative certification of Lao Airlines' asset value. This latest development in the cooperation has been included in the review report submitted to the ongoing 10th session of the 9th Lao National Assembly, subject to legislative oversight. This cooperation with COMAC is a crucial component of the Lao government's overall plan to reform state-owned enterprises. For a long time, some Lao state-owned enterprises have faced persistent losses. The Lao government hopes to improve the operational efficiency of these enterprises by introducing strategic partners and optimizing operating mechanisms. The reform of Lao Airlines is a key link in this process.
Currently, the Lao government and Shanghai-based COMAC are jointly developing a business improvement plan for Lao Airlines. Once completed, this plan will be submitted to the Lao government for approval. Looking back at the cooperation process, the relevant parties from both countries signed a joint venture memorandum of understanding in October 2024, laying the foundation for this equity agreement.
In terms of implementation, substantial progress has been made. In April 2025, Lao Airlines, based on its lease agreement with COMAC, introduced its first COMAC C909 aircraft; shortly thereafter, a second C909 aircraft successfully entered service. To date, Lao Airlines has a total fleet of 13 aircraft, consisting of 4 Airbus A320-214s, 2 COMAC C909s, 3 ATR 72-600s and 4 ATR 72-500s.
