【Text by Observers Network, Wang Yong; Editor: Zhao Qiankun】

According to reports from multiple foreign media outlets such as the Lao Times and Vientiane Times, the Lao government has confirmed an equity acquisition agreement with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). According to the agreement, COMAC will acquire 49% of shares in Lao Airlines, while the Lao government will retain a controlling stake of 51%.

The report stated that this transaction is part of a series of measures taken by Lao Airlines to reform state-owned enterprises and improve operational efficiency after years of financial losses.

On March 30, 2025, the C909 aircraft was delivered to Lao Airlines on a leasing basis by COMAC. COMAC

In June this year, COMAC proposed to the Lao government to acquire shares in Lao Airlines, and the Lao government said it would consider the proposal. At that time, COMAC was seeking to expand its business in Southeast Asia, while the Lao government was studying reforms of state-owned enterprises such as Lao Airlines to improve their ongoing financial losses.

At that time, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stated, "The Lao government is considering COMAC's proposal for comprehensive investment, especially the proposal that the Lao government holds at least 51% of Lao Airlines' shares."

According to the aforementioned media reports, the equity acquisition agreement reached between the two sides was based on the previous proposal from COMAC, and was finally determined after multiple negotiations by the Lao government. Currently, relevant independent audit institutions are assessing and certifying the asset value of Lao Airlines. The progress of the agreement execution has been included in the documents reviewed at the tenth session of the ninth National Assembly of Laos.

The report mentioned that in October 2024, the Lao government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COMAC. The outside world believes that cooperation with COMAC is an important measure taken by the Lao government to implement reforms in state-owned enterprises. For a long time, Lao Airlines has been in a severe loss situation, and the involvement of COMAC is expected to effectively improve the operating conditions of Lao Airlines. The two sides are currently jointly drafting a reform plan for Lao Airlines, which will be submitted to the Lao government for approval after completion.

The report mentioned that this cooperation also includes incorporating COMAC aircraft into the operational system of Lao Airlines. In March this year, Lao Airlines introduced its first COMAC C909 aircraft through a leasing arrangement, and then introduced another same model aircraft, increasing the fleet size to 13 aircraft, including 4 Airbus A320-214, 2 C909, 3 ATR 72-600, and 4 ATR 72-500. The COMAC team will provide training, maintenance, and operational planning support.

Information shows that so far, in addition to the C909, the C919 has also achieved "normal commercial operation," with cumulative orders exceeding 1,000 both domestically and internationally. As of May 28 this year, the C919 aircraft has delivered a total of 18 planes to Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, opened 24 routes, served 16 cities, and carried more than 2 million passengers.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7572529522726257188/

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