On August 19th, a Bamboo Airways’ E190 successfully completed a test flight from Hanoi to Điện Biên Phủ making history as the first-ever jet aircraft to land at the Điện Biên Phủ airport.
On October 14th, Bamboo Airways started scheduled passenger service between Hanoi and Điện Biên Phủ three times weekly with the E190. This new service, with a flight time of just seventy minutes, provides passengers with the option to fly direct and in superior comfort.
Điện Biên Phủ had previously only been accessible by turboprops because of the airport’s PCN restrictions, short field length, high altitude, mountainous terrain, and proximity to residential housing and roads.
The E190’s performance capabilities make it an ideal aircraft to operate safely on Điện Biên Phủ airport’s short 1,830m (6000 ft) runway. Bamboo Airways is already operating the E190 at other short-runway domestic airports, including Con Dao and Rach Gia.
Additionally, the E190’s CAT C designation allows it to be operated in low visibility conditions, including dry fog that is prevalent in Điện Biên Phủ.
As part of the carrier’s plans to further expand its network in 2021, the E190 will be deployed to connect Điện Biên Phủ with other cities across Vietnam to boost tourism and economic development.