A COMAC C919 aircraft lands in Savannakhet province. (File photo)

Chinese planemaker COMAC to acquire 49 percent stake in Lao Airlines

The Lao government and the Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), have reached an agreement under which the government will retain a 51 percent stake in Lao Airlines, according to a government report submitted to the National Assembly (NA).
The report stated that negotiations with COMAC have concluded, confirming the shareholding structure that allows the Lao government to maintain majority ownership of the national carrier.
Initially, COMAC proposed acquiring a majority stake in Lao Airlines, but the government opted for a renegotiation before finalising the agreement.
“An independent audit firm is currently being engaged to assess and certify the asset value of Lao Airlines,” the report said.
The update was included in the report presented to the ongoing 10th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly for deliberation.
The partnership with COMAC forms part of the Lao government’s broader efforts to reform state enterprises and enhance their operational efficiency after years of sustained losses.
Lao authorities and the Shanghai-based manufacturer are now working together to draft a business improvement plan for Lao Airlines, which will be submitted to the government for approval once completed.
The government and COMAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the joint venture in October 2024.
In April this year, Lao Airlines introduced a COMAC C919 jet to its fleet under a lease agreement with the Chinese manufacturer.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update November 12, 2025)