Bangkok--29 Dec--AirAsia
AirAsia has prepared itself for fierce competition in the coming year with the tourism sector recovered. The airline is set to add 5 new Airbus A 320 planes to its fleet and has set a new goal of greater penetration in the domestic market. In its latest move, AirAsia launched 3 new routes from Bangkok; flying to Nan, Loei and Roi Et 2times a day at a promotional fare of only 333 THB per trip. The additions were chosen as they pose new opportunities for tourism with their distinct attractions and growth potential.
Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, explained that while the tourism sector was impacted by the imposition of Martial Law and political turmoil in 2014, Thai AirAsia persisted with its plans to acquire 5 more Airbus A 320 planes and finished the year with a fleet of 40. The airline is confident that it will exceed its goal of12.1 million passengers served for the entire year, a major leap from 2013 when it saw 10.5 million passengers.
“We all worked hard this year to establish and solidify the concept ‘Truly Low Fares, Trusted Quality’ as well as to find new business opportunities through the addition of flight routes and flight bases beyond Bangkok, such as Chiang Mai-Hong Kong, Chiang Mai-Surat Thani or Krabi-Guangzhou, all destinations without competitors. That work has yielded favorable results and allowed us to achieve our targets”
In 2015, Mr. Tassapon let on that Thai AirAsia believes the overall tourism situation will improve and that the airline will acquire 5 more Airbus A 320 planes. He stated that AirAsia’s focus will now be on the domestic market as it still has room for growth. This past 22 December, the airline opened bookings for 3 new routes at once; Bangkok to Nan, Loei and Roi Et. All the routes fly twice daily and are being debuted at a promotional fare of only 333 THB per trip. Mr. Tassapon elaborated that the destinations were chosen as the airline believes the trend in travel next year will be novelty and uniqueness, qualities all 3 provinces possess.
For 2015, Thai AirAsia has set its passenger target at more than 14 million people. Its main customer bases will continue to be Thai and Chinese travelers. The airline plans to add more Fly Thru services (via Don Mueang) to expand its tourism market. The airline is assured that its strengths will allow it to maintain its status as Asia’s leading low fare carrier.