Luong Hoai Nam, former general director of Vietnam’s first low-cost airline Jetstar Pacific, couldn’t leave Vietnam for Laos on December 16.

Mr. Luong Hoai Nam (right).

Nam was asked not to go abroad as he had to verify some matters related to Jetstar Pacific Airlines during his term as general director. The Immigration Agency verified the ban but didn’t disclose the government agency that required the ban.

Nam told VNExpress that he was very surprised when not allowed to travel to Laos. He guessed that the ban might be related to the auditing results of the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) and the huge loss of Jetstar Pacific, where the SCIC represents the state’s capital.

“If it is true (his guess), I wish to make the matter clear as soon as possible, together with the management board of Jetstar Pacific and the SCIC. I completely understand the job of the immigration agency and I’m willing to cooperate with them as a citizen who respects the law,” Nam said.

However, the SCIC confirmed on December 16 it did not send any dispatch asking the Immigration Agency to prevent Nam from leaving Vietnam.

Nam worked at Jetstar Pacific when it was still Pacific Airlines. In the first half of 2009, the firm saw a growth rate of 30 percent in the number of passengers. It began earning profits in July 2009. However, Nam resigned as General Director of Pacific Airlines in mid-October. After his resignation, many problems related with Jetstar Pacific were exposed.

While dispute over its brand remains unsolved the airline was denounced by foreign engineers who said airplane maintenance was ignored. Most recently, the State Audit of Vietnam Agency discovered that Jetstar Pacific’s officials enjoyed towering salaries while the company operated at a loss. Auditors also asked the firm to explain the loss of $31 million related to its petrol hedging operation.

Auditors also asked SCIC and Jetstar Pacific to define the responsibility of individuals and teams associated with the above matters.

VietNamNet/VNE