NATIONAL flag carrier Lao Airlines has partnered with Singapore-based GTMC Travel in a joint venture that will allow the latter’s travel agencies to book both inbound and outbound travel packages linked to the airline’s network.
“We will use Vientiane as a stopover destination by providing free stopover tours for passengers using (Lao Airlines) to transit to their destinations,” said CEO of GTMC Travel, Samson Tan, expecting sales revenue to increase by 50 per cent.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lao Airlines’ holiday division, Champa Holidays, will be managed by the new joint venture company.
Said Saleum Tayarath, vice president of Lao Airlines: “It’s a breakthrough for an airline to partner an external organisation to manage their holiday division. As a young airline, we are expecting tremendous air seat growth through our holiday division.”
Champa Holidays’ 10-member staff will operate from Lao Airlines’ head office and the holiday division has plans to appoint general sales agents in Lao Airlines destinations and beyond.
Lao Airlines and GTMC will have two directors each on the joint venture company’s board.
