Thai AirAsia expects to fly high
Thai AirAsia expects to fly high
Thai AirAsia, the “World's Best Low Cost Airline”, expects to get a good reception from both local and foreign people in Vientiane after opening direct flights from Vientiane to Bangkok at a special promotion price of just US$35 per one-way ticket last week.
CEO of Thai AirAsia, Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, said Thai AirAsia was very pleased to be now connecting Vientiane and Bangkok after starting direct flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang in March this year.
He said passengers from Vientiane can now enjoy AirAsia's low fares and on-time service, adding that the airline is always mindful of security and has an extensive network of connections.
This latest route will help to stimulate both tourism and investment in Vientiane and build on the already strong relationship between Laos and Thailand, offering more opportunities for the two neighbours to enhance their ties.
AirAsia in Laos now has 20 companies selling tickets for travel on AirAsia. The new sector from Vientiane to Bangkok will provide a new and convenient option as well as attract more travellers to Laos and build flight networks within the country.
AirAsia currently serves three routes from Laos. AirAsia Bhd. (code AK) flies the Vientiane-Kuala Lumpur sector three times a week, Thai AirAsia (code FD) flies between Luang Prabang and Bangkok daily, and flights are now available between Vientiane and Bangkok seven times a week. These routes not only allow for more convenient travel between Laos and Thailand, but also help to bridge the nations of Asean, Mr Tassapon said.
The airline's main customers are tourists, with just 20 percent being businesspeople.
The outstanding point of AirAsia is the low cost of its flights. The planes are new, the company provides good service and security, and flights are on time. These attributes attract travellers worldwide to use the airline.
AirAsia has grown by 15-20 percent a year after being in business for 13 years, and now has 51 planes.
Some 16.9 million tourists worldwide currently fly with Air Asia, of whom 20 percent come from Asean nations.
The airline is looking to open flights and routes in each important city in Asean to link and create networks for tourists from Europe and other countries travelling within the region.
Flights are available for booking from July 1 to 3 at the special promotional fare for travel between now and November 30, 2016, at www.airasia.com.
Mr Tassapon said “We are confident that both Lao and Thai people will see that this route offers great travel opportunities by saving them both time and money. We plan to actively promote this route to both Thai and foreign travellers so that they may come to Vientiane to support its business sector. We are proud to be able to contribute to enhancing the economy of Laos while also building on the ties between Thailand and Laos.”
Mr Tassapon said he hoped to offer more flights from Vientiane after getting good feedback from people and travellers in the city.
Lao Aviation Director General Mr Vanphen Chanthasone said AirAsia would be required to operate in line with the air traffic regulations to ensure security and safety for everyone using the airline.
