Thai AirAsia begins flights between Vientiane and Bangkok
Thai AirAsia begins flights between Vientiane and Bangkok
Thai AirAsia has inaugurated daily flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) to Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, beginning on July 1.
The official opening of the new route took place in Vientiane on Friday.
The event was attended by Thailand's Ambassador to Laos Mr Noppadon Theppitak, Minister Counselor (commercial) to Laos Ms Pimol Pongkongkaew, Director General of Laos' Department of Civil Aviation, Mr Vanhpheng Chanthaphone, and Director of Vientiane's Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Khampadith Khemmanith.
Air ticketing agencies in Laos were also represented at the inauguration.
Speaking at a press conference on the occasion, Thai AirAsia CEO Mr Tassapon Bijleveld said the new route would help to stimulate both tourism and investment in Vientiane and build on the already strong relationship between Laos and Thailand while offering more opportunities for the two neighbours to strengthen their ties.
“To mark the inauguration of the Vientiane-Bangkok route we are offering a special promotional fare starting at only US$35 per trip, available for booking July 1-3, 2016, for travel from July 1-November 30, 2016,” he added.
“We are confident that both Lao and Thai nationals will see that this route offers great travel opportunities by saving them both time and money,” Mr Tassapon said.
“We plan to actively promote this route to both Thai and foreign travellers so that they can come to Vientiane to support its business sector. We are proud to be able to contribute to enhancing Laos' economy while also building on ties between Thailand and Laos,” he added.
AirAsia currently serves three routes from Laos with AirAsia Bhd. (code AK) flying from Vientiane to Kuala Lumpur three times a week and Thai AirAsia (code FD) flying from Luang Prabang to Bangkok daily (starting March 24, 2016), and now Vientiane to Bangkok daily.
These routes not only provide more convenient travel between Laos and Thailand but also help to bridge the nations of Asean.
Each year, the number of passengers using AirAsia's services increases by about 15-20 percent, of which some are in Asean countries, Mr Tassapon said.
The decision to allow Thai AirAsia to fly to Vientiane will give the airline cover in all neighbouring Mekong region countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Flights to Vientiane from Don Meuang in Bangkok depart at 12:05 daily, and leave Vientiane at 14:15. The flight time is one hour and 20 minutes.
Meanwhile Lao Airlines is improving its service standards to differentiate itself from low cost airlines as well as increasing the number of flights to other countries to give it a competitive edge.
