A Vietnamese shipping company will officially launch its first direct flight from a north-central province to Da Nang next month, while the firm also intends to offer a new sightseeing flight service. 

The first direct flight from Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh Province, to Da Nang was announced by the Department of Tourism of Quang Binh Province on Saturday.

The department added that the service will be provided by Ho Chi Minh City-based Seagull Shipping Company (SESCO) from May 4, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

For the new air route, Cessna Caravan 208B-EX will be used with its capacity of 14 seats, including two pilots and 12 passengers.

The American aircraft model is highly evaluated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as the biggest single-engine aircraft.

Other advantages of the Caravan 208B-EX include a high level of safety when landing on water, stability standards, resource efficiency, and overall safety levels.

The airplane typically seats nine passengers with a single pilot, although with a Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23 waiver it can seat up to fourteen passengers and is also used as a cargo carrier.

The Dong Hoi - Da Nang flights are going to land and take off at Dong Hoi Airport and the VIP section of Da Nang International Airport, with the services only offered on weekends.

As proposed, an hour-long flight will be operated during weekdays through the air charter service for an estimated price of US$3,300.

According to SESCO, the first tickets will be sold at $300, which is a promotional price offered from May 4, when the service launches, until September 30.

The company will update passengers on new rates for the route after Septemper 30

So as to be well prepared for the launch of the new air route, many high-ranking officials and representatives from the People’s Committee, Department of Tourism, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources of Quang Binh, among others, were present on a successful pilot flight from Dong Hoi to Da Nang.

In addition to the new air route, the Department of Tourism and People’s Committee of Quang Binh also support SESCO's intention to provide sightseeing flight services in the province ahead of the upcoming cave festival in 2019, which will be Vietnam's first.

The transport company is completing the procedure for official approval for the above-mentioned service.

The service is believed to boost local tourism by providing customers with unique experiences as they get to see the sight of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, sightseeing spots of Quang Binh, and the most famous tourist destinations including Phong Nha Cave, Thien Duong Cave, and Son Doong Cave, among others.

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