Vietnam's Indochina Airlines could resume operations as soon as 15 January, provided the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) approves its application to recommence services.
"We are in the process of considering their application to resume service," Vo Huy Cuong, CAAV's director of air transport.
Under the privately-owned carrier's application to resume service, the CAAV requested three things: proof of the carrier's source of finances, details about its agreements with leasing firms, and details about its agreements with services providers such as airports, ground handling firms, and other suppliers.
Operations could start as soon as 15 January, says Vo, stressing that the CAAV must first approve the application.
Indochina's officials were unavailable for comment, but the carrier's website was back on-line. It describes the carrier's fleet as comprising two Boeing 737-800 aircraft - in December, the carrier reportedly had plans to lease two 737-800s from Czech Republic carrier Travel Service Airline.
The carrier suspended operations on 1 November 2009, and has delayed its re-launch several times. Vietnam media reports have suggested that the carrier owes money to suppliers, and that it has been working to reach agreements with suppliers and restructure its business before resuming operations.
Officials at Indochina Airlines have also been quoted as saying the carrier is seeking a cash injection from local investors.
Prior to its suspension, Indochina Airlines was operating one Boeing 737-800 and was limited to major domestic routes such as Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi.
The carrier started operations in November 2008 and its founder is local pop singer Ha Hung Dung.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
