Lao Air (Vientiane) has signed a year-long lease and MRO agreement with Thailand's Solar Air (Bangkok Don Mueang) for two twin-engine Do228s. Solar Air will also provide instructors and training to Laotian pilots. According to Lao Air's Managing Director, Colonel Bounma Chanthavongsa, the lease of the turboprops is mainly aimed at serving the needs of the Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) open pit copper and gold mining operation in Sepon in southern Laos. Lao Air's own fleet consists of DHC-6s, Cessna 208s, Mil Mi17s and various other light aircraft.