THAI Smile to launch more overseas routes this quarter
THAI Smile Airways plans to spread its wings into South Asia and Myanmar this quarter, aiming to carry a total of 3.8 million passengers this year.
The "light premium" airline, a subsidiary of Thai Airways International, will begin operating scheduled flights to Colombo, Hyderabad in India, and Mandalay and Yangon in Myanmar in the current second quarter.
The airline currently operates only one international route, from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Macau.
"We are going to fly abroad more this year. India and Myanmar will be key places. THAI Smile is talking with THAI about transferring its routes in India and Myanmar," said Chalongchai Hiranyalekha, chief commercial adviser to THAI Smile Airways.
He said the airline would receive six new aircraft this year, adding to its existing fleet of 14. It then expects to carry about 3.8 million passengers this year, up from the current capacity of 3.6 million.
"We did well in the first quarter as it was the peak season. But we are worried about the current low season through the midyear period. However, we aim for an average load factor of 75 per cent this year," Chalongchai said.
He noted that the airline was certified and met international safety standards. There have been no problems operating into Macau, a special administrative region of China.
The airline yesterday announced a business partnership with Counter Service and 7-Eleven to allow customers to buy and pay for THAI Smile Airways tickets at participating convenience stores nationwide.
To celebrate the new cooperation, THAI Smile Airways is offering special fares starting from Bt990 per trip (net) when customers buy tickets at Counter Service or 7-Eleven. The promotion is effective from tomorrow through April 30, for trips between May 6 and October 24.
Air fares from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani start at Bt990; to Chiang Rai and Surat Thani Bt1,090; Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Phuket Bt1,190; and Bangkok-Narathiwat starts from Bt1,390. Fares for the Chiang Mai-Phuket route start at Bt1,690 per trip. These promotional fares are offered on a limited number seats and can be booked only at shops with Counter Service signs and at 7-Eleven convenience stores nationwide.
Weeradej Ackapopanich, assistant vice president of Counter Service Co, said it now operated more than 10,000 branches nationwide. "This year, we will add 850 service points across the country. About 30,000-40,000 customers use our counter services today. Customer numbers and revenue will increase under this new alliance with THAI Smile Airways," he said.
