According to Vietnamnet, on December 4th, Mr. Le Thai Sam, former Chairman of Bamboo Airways’ Board of Directors, acknowledged that the restructuring efforts by the previous investor group fell short of expectations.
From a fleet of 30 aircraft and 60 routes covering the entire country, including unique destinations like Con Dao and Dien Bien, along with ambitious international routes, Bamboo Airways, upon returning to FLC Group on September 25th, 2025, retained only 7 aircraft, 12 domestic routes, and significant debt.
An independent audit report conducted by the investor group and restructuring advisors on July 31st, 2025, revealed that the airline’s total debt to suppliers exceeded 9 trillion VND.
The largest debt is owed to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), totaling approximately 2.6 trillion VND, with 80% of this debt incurred during the period when the previous investor group managed the airline.
Additional debts include nearly 1 trillion VND to fuel suppliers, approximately 4 trillion VND to Sacombank, and nearly 3 trillion VND to other banks, financial institutions, and individuals.
The former Chairman of Bamboo Airways stated that upon handing over management to FLC Group, he and Mr. Duong Cong Minh committed to taking responsibility for settling the aforementioned debts.
“I am aware that a monthly and yearly repayment plan has been requested. Previously, Bamboo relied heavily on a single bank. Now, the airline is diversifying its credit relationships and expanding credit limits to ensure sufficient capital for fleet restructuring, operations, and debt repayment. I am confident that once credit flows improve, this process will accelerate,” said Mr. Le Thai Sam, reaffirming:
“Mr. Duong Cong Minh and I will take responsibility for debts incurred during Bamboo Airways’ restructuring from August 2022 to September 25th, 2025.” .
The former Chairman of Bamboo Airways also expressed confidence in the airline’s future under FLC Group’s renewed leadership, highlighting initial steps to restore the airline to its “golden era” with a new, cohesive, and determined management team, along with a sustainable, quality-focused development strategy.
In December, Bamboo Airways will add more aircraft to increase capacity during the peak Tet 2026 season, implementing a calculated and sustainable strategy to expand operational capacity, restore fleet scale, and gradually return the airline to a new growth trajectory.
Mr. Le Thai Sam: We Take Full Responsibility for Bamboo Airways’ Legacy Issues
“Expanding our fleet, increasing flight frequencies, and broadening our route network are essential steps for Bamboo Airways to boost revenue, strengthen cash flow, and systematically address outstanding financial obligations,” stated Mr. Lê Thái Sâm, former Chairman of Bamboo Airways’ Board of Directors.
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