Lao Air From Chiang Mai

[RonanTheBarbarian]

I am thinking of taking a Lao Airlines flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang next month, as part of my travels around northern Thailand and Laos.

I have heard though, that it has an unreliable safety record, and that also flights are very often delayed.

Does anyone have any info on the airline they could share?

Should i be prepared for a delay?

Should i prepare to fall from the sky?

[cdnvic]

Last info I got from the Canadian embassy was that they did not recommend flying Lao Aviation. To point out how serious it is, I never saw such a warning about Phuket "Banned in EU" Airways.

There's enough other ways to get to Laos that I doubt its worth it.

cv

[Braccobaldo]

Personally I would not choose to fly Lao aviation...

[think_too_mut]

The flight would probably be on the ATR-72 aircraft.

On another board an expat living in Vientiane posted that all expat community there watches when the only French mechanic LA have is on duty.

They don't take any flights on LA if he is on holidays.

Since 2 years ago Lao Air got their first Airbus and hopefuly the crew and mechanics from France.

Edit: just visted their site, the schedule does not show any flights where Airbus 320 is utilized. Lease of the aircraft expired?

http://www.laoairlines.com/schedule.htm

Edited October 27, 2005 by think_too_mut

[cdnvic]

Recent opinions of Lao Airlines customers.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/lao.htm

cv

[chuchok]

I flew Lao Air last year to both Luang Prabang and Vientene. (Well, we stopped in LB for 45 mins.. )

Great sight seeing as you fly over some untouched country hills/mountains. Can't remember what the plane was (Some type of Turbo prop), but it was quite comfortable.

Their office used to be in the Nakon Ping Condo..just off Huay Kaew Rd.Nice bloke that was running things too.They can also organise a visa for Laos at a much cheaper price than getting one on entry.

Edited October 27, 2005 by chuchok

[Darknight]

well i saw a pilot from lao airlines leaving from chiangmai with Full throttle AND FULL FLAPS on takeoff.

if you know something about planes you also know it's not the right way to depart

The flight would probably be on the ATR-72 aircraft.

here's the airbus

with thanks to www.airliners.net

Edited October 27, 2005 by Darknight

[chownah]

Last time I flew Lao Air was a few years ago. The pilot wore a crash helmet....this is true...absolutely!!! We crashed and all died.....this is false...absolutely. I'm wondering which is safer...flying Lao Air or crossing a street in Bangkok? or visiting a chicken farm anywhere in Asia? or smoking cigarettes? or having unprotected sex? or driving after four beers? or talking on the phone while driving?

Edited October 27, 2005 by chownah

[cdnvic]

well i saw a pilot from lao airlines leaving from chiangmai with Full throttle AND FULL FLAPS on takeoff.

if you know something about planes you also know it's not the right way to depart 

Exactly. We have a place right near one of the main flightpaths to/from the airport. When Lao takes off it's not takeoff/climb/cruise, it's full throttle the whole way. Very hard on the airframe, and a sign of poor training, self control, or both. Interceptors are supposed to take off like that, not airliners.

cv

[meadish_sweetball]

I flew Lao Airlines to Vientiane. It was fun for the experience.

The flight out of CM was only slightly delayed, but my flight from Vientiane was delayed by 6 hours (half of our plane consisted of passengers from the morning flight, which was delayed by some 13 hours). Since I helped calm down other passengers and interpret from Lao into English, I was personally thanked by Lao Airlines' GM and given his name card.

Off topic: If you have the chance, make sure you go to the bathroom on the second floor of Vientiane airport. They have the smoothest elevator music.

[richard10365]

How many planes from Laos have crashed?

[cdnvic]

How many planes from Laos have crashed?

If this were a large country it wouldn't be so bad, but they really don't have alot of planes in the first place.

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ASIANOW/south...anecrash.02.ap/

From: http://www.vientianetimes.com/ ;

Here is Lao Aviation's crash history from 1990s to today

===> October 2000--A Chinese-built Y-12 aircraft crashed in Sam Neua due to bad weather. 8 killed, 9 survived.

===> June 2000--A Russian-built Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Xieng Khuang due to bad weather. All 18 people killed.

===> May 1998--A Russian-built Yak-40 jet crashed in Xieng Khuang during a heavy rainstorm. All 26 people killed, including Vietnamese military delegation.

===> December 1993--A Chinese-built Y-12 aircraft crashed in Phone Savanh when it clipped trees in fog when tried to land. All 18 people killed.

===> April 1990--A Russian-built An-24 aircraft crashed in Luang Namtha when failed to take off and hit the building. all 3 people killed.

[lambous]

How much would you expect to pay for a flight Vientiene - Luang Prabang - Chiangmai One way?