03 June 2010
VIENTIANE: The Government will ask budget carrier AirAsia to look into adding a second destination to Laos, following a request from the Laotian Transport Ministry, said Prime Ministry Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Najib said the minister had made the request to him for direct flights to the world heritage town of Pakse, during a delegation meeting at Laos Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh's office here Thursday morning.
"Increasing destinations for direct flights is a commercial decision that has to be made by the airlines involved and the Government can only forward the request," he told a press conference here.
AirAsia is the only Malaysian airline offering three weekly direct flights to the capital Vientiane, although there has been talk that Malaysia Airlines (MAS) was also looking into offering direct flights to the country.
"I do not know if MAS will be interested (in flying to Pakse) but better connectivity is something they (Laos) will like and welcome," he said when asked if the national carrier might be interested in flying to the destination.
Najib, who is on a two-day official visit to Laos, earlier received a red-carpet welcome at the Laotian Prime Minister's office here before attending a delegation meeting.
The Prime Ministers later also witnessed the signing of the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education, and MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Sports.
Najib said his first official visit to the country was a very significant one in view of efforts by both sides to further enhance the good relations between them.
"I have brought with me a number of Malaysian business people who are keen to tap into opportunities in your country," he told the delegation meeting.
By Dharmender Singh
The Star
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