Pacific Airlines check-in counter was quiet after the airline returned all aircraft due to debt - Photo: CONG TRUNG
Afternoon 18-3, Youth Online At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Pacific Airlines' check-in counter was almost deserted. While other airlines are bustling with people going back and forth, the staff making time to check-in for flights is quite exciting.
Still maintaining customer support staff
That is Pacific Airlines' way to support customers even though the company is in a difficult "struggle" process. It is noted that occasionally there are customers carrying suitcases to ask for flight information, the airline still arranges representatives to answer and guide customers.
Meanwhile, dozens of Pacific Airlines branded check-in counters have "turned off their lights", and the airline's flights are no longer displayed on the flight information board.
Although not operating any flights on March 18, Pacific Airlines still maintains staff on duty to support customers - Photo: CONG TRUNG
A representative of Pacific Airlines said that during this time, some flight routes may have their operating plans changed or suspended.
The flight schedule will be restored and soon return to stability in the near future. Passengers affected by flight cancellations will be notified of new flight schedules or transferred to Vietnam Airlines flights.
Pacific Airlines said it is in the process of finalizing an agreement to lease an aircraft from Vietnam Airlines but "leaves open" the specific time when it will begin operations.
Mr. Dinh Viet Thang, director of the Vietnam Aviation Administration, said that Pacific Airlines no longer has any aircraft to operate. The airline will dry lease 3 aircraft from Vietnam Airlines.
The reason for "wiping out" Pacific Airlines' fleet of aircraft is due to debt, and the financial situation is at serious risk.
The company's business cash flow is lacking, and its overdue debt is threatening to lose its ability to pay.
Pacific Airlines still "lights up" thanks to serving Bamboo Airways
However, Pacific Airlines is still maintaining operations, denying rumors of bankruptcy. Departments from pilots, flight attendants and ground check-in services, according to information from Youth Online, Pacific Airlines has agreed with employees on vacation time during the restructuring period with the regional minimum wage.
Pacific Airlines still maintains its "light" operations with another service segment, ground service for Bamboo Airways. Currently, Pacific Airlines is maintaining ladder trucks, luggage loading and unloading vehicles, and passenger vehicles from the plane to and from the terminal for Bamboo Airways.
Pacific Airlines encountered difficulties many years ago
Pacific Airlines is Vietnam's first low-cost airline with shareholders being state-owned enterprises, established in 1991.
In 2007, Qantas Group (Australia) - owner of the low-cost airline brand Jetstar - signed an investment contract with the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) to buy back 30% of shares. at Pacific Airlines and became a strategic shareholder.
After many years of business losses combined with the negative impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, in October 10, Qantas Group carried out procedures to withdraw from Pacific Airlines and transfer 2020% of its shares to Vietnam Airlines in the form of a donation. again.
By the first quarter of 2022, this deal was completed and Vietnam Airlines has held nearly 99% of shares in Pacific Airlines since then.
In 2022, Pacific Airlines records total revenue of nearly 3.487 billion VND, pre-tax loss of 2.096 billion VND.
The flight information screen no longer displays Pacific Airlines flights - Photo: CONG TRUNG
While sharing the same Vietnam Airlines Group, Vietnam Airlines is bustling with passengers while Pacfic Airlines faces many difficulties and temporarily suspends flights - Photo: CONG TRUNG
