Bangkok--18 Apr--AirAsia
Thai AirAsia announces positive growth in the first quarter of 2013 for its China, Indochina and domestic routes, with an increase of 140% Chinese passengers, year-on-year. According to Thailand’s Department of Tourism, Chinese travelers entering Thailand via air transportation has increased by 97% compared to the same time last year, reflecting an increase of over 850,000 people. Over 50% of those Chinese travelers have arrived in Thailand with AirAsia. Continuous passenger growth is expected while the airline is optimistic in meeting its target to transport 5 million Chinese travelers in the next 5 years by increasing flight frequency and opening up new destinations. Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia reveals that its recent traveler profiles reflect a younger Chinese demographic with high purchasing power, which will surely play a positive role on stimulating the hotel and tourism industry.
Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia said, “After AirAsia’s move to Don Mueang International Airport, we can visibly see that the airline has continued to grow at a positive rate, especially in our key markets of China, Indochina and our domestic routes within Thailand. In 2012, we worked on opening up more destinations in China and Thai AirAsia now connects Thailand to 7 Chinese destinations, with a total of 9 routes. Our strategy this year is to increase flight frequency to our most popular destinations, including Bangkok-Hong Kong to 3 flights per day (starting from 30 April 2013), Bangkok-Wuhan to 2 flights per day (starting on 3 June 2013), and Bangkok-Chongqing to 2 flights per day (available to book starting from 23 April 2013, and start operating on 1 July 2013).”
The CEO also added that in 2012, Thai AirAsia transported 1.1 million Chinese passengers to and from Thailand. In line with plans of receiving new additional Airbus A320 aircraft and continuously expanding to new destinations, AirAsia is setting a target to transport 5 million Chinese travelers within the next 5 years. More recent demographics also reflect a younger passenger profile, with high spending power. To prepare for this influx of travelers, Thai AirAsia’s CEO expresses the need to provide clear signage at popular tourist attractions, while hotels should also be prepared to accommodate this growing segment.
Another vibrant market this year is Indochina, including Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia which have seen an 88% growth in the amount of passengers, year-on-year. Last but not least, Thailand’s domestic routes have also been performing well, as the airline continues to add more flight frequency and convenience for its passengers.
Thai AirAsia’s overall passenger numbers for Q1 2013 were on target, with a record-breaking March 2013 of approximately 920,000 passengers. The airline is optimistic of meeting its target of 10 million total passengers for 2013, an increase from 8.3 million passengers in 2012 and 6.9 million passengers in 2011.
Thai AirAsia currently connects Bangkok to 7 destinations in China with direct flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Xi’an. Direct flights are also available between Chiang Mai -Macau and Phuket-Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.airasia.com.