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VIVA Macau, a low-cost airline previously known as WOW!Macau, has pushed back its target date for launching flights to next summer because it hasn't obtained rights to operate from the city.
The airline named Ngan In-leng, head of Hang Huo Enterprise Group, as its president Friday, and said its subconcession agreement with Air Macau is under the government review.
The agreement will allow VIVA Macau, which earlier planned to start services in April, 2006, to serve medium- and long-haul routes.
Ng said the airline will be equipped with a fleet of modern wide-body aircraft to fly across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
"We are making a firm commitment to building a strong network of international air services to and from Macau," Ngan said Friday at the brand launch celebration for VIVA Macau.
VIVA Macau will probably compete with another low-cost carrier, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, which last week won licenses to operate on several European and United States routes from Hong Kong. Oasis aims to start services to London Gatwick next June.
Ngan said a date for the launch of VIVA Macau's services and the range of new destinations will be announced once the Macau government approves and ratifies the airline's subconcession arrangement.
Air Macau, which operates under a 25-year government concession as the territory's exclusive home carrier, in June agreed to share its rights with Golden Dragon, a startup carrier that plans to operate regional jet flights to the mainland.
"Macau is becoming an increasingly important low-fare gateway to southern China, and we will support Macau International Airport's development as one of Asia's fastest growing air transport hubs." Ngan said.
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