Lao Airlines has taken delivery of the first of two A320 aircraft ordered from Airbus.

The 126-seat A320 aircraft, powered by CFM56 engines, features a two-class layout that includes main cabin and 16 in business class.

The jets will replace the airline’s current Franco-Italian ATR 72 turboprop jets.

Lao Airlines had previously secured a $71m loan from the Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public for the two jets.

The national carrier of Lao will receive the second A320 jet next month.