The Laotian government has announced plans to source a strategic partner for national carrier, Lao Airlines (QV, Vientiane), as it seeks to improve operational efficiencies across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises.

Government spokesman Chaleun Yiapaoher told the Vientiane Times this week that despite the initiative, the Lao state would not seek to dispose of the carrier as a whole.

"The government’s improvement intention is not to sell [the whole enterprise], but to seek overseas airline shareholders,” he said.

The report claims several unspecified investors have already expressed an interest in Lao Airlines and are currently conducting a due diligence of the company.

Lao Airlines operates four A320-200s, three ATR72-500s, and three ATR72-600s on scheduled passenger flights to Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Pakse, Savannakhet, and Xieng Khouang locally as well as Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Busan, Changzhou, Chengdu Shuangliu, Chiang Mai, Guangzhou, Hanoi Noi Bai International, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming Changshui, Seoul Incheon, and Siem Reap internationally.