The low-cost airline Thai AirAsia has officially announced the launch of its flight between Chennai and Bangkok from March 23. The airline will operate five flights a week in this sector.
It has already announced that it will pull out from Delhi from March 23, as “it has become unviable owing to increasing airport charges and fuel costs”, said Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, Chief Executive Officer, Thai AirAsia.
More on cards
According to him, low fare, high frequency, quick turnaround time and short-haul flights will continue to be the airline's mantra.
“The business model will work, provided, we keep our flight time within three and half hours. Delhi takes a little longer,” he explained.
However, according to him, India is still a very important market for the airline. “And, we are exploring possibilities to connect Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi with Bangkok,” he said.
The airline will operate a 180-seater A 320 in the Chennai-Bangkok sector.
It hopes to achieve 80 per cent occupancy within three months from the launch.
Mr Bijleveld said the rates will at least be 30 per cent cheaper compared to that of a full-service operator.
Betting big on its low fare, he says it will create a new market in this sector.
After Malaysia and Singapore, Bangkok is a favourite destination for many Indians.
“Over eight lakh Indians visited Thailand last year,” he said, “and we expect at least 20 per cent growth in this number this year”.