Nok eyes flights to China

BANGKOK  Nok Air plans to expand its wings to serve more Chinese destinations this year after it started its first service last week.
Airline CEO, Patee Sarasin, said the goal is to tap the Chinese market, Thailand’s top traveller source even ahead of neighouring Malaysia that in the past was the biggest source of visitors.
“China is a lucrative market now for both tourism and business…to tap this market, the airline launched three weekly flights connecting Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Hefei Xinqiao in China last week.”
He added: “We also plan to open other routes to China particularly to Nanjing and Chengdu this year… they are within the four-hour flying range of our Boeing 737-800.”
inside no 1“More Chinese tourists are travelling to Thailand than ever and they have a high spending ability… the market also will balance the shortfall in Russia and Europe tourists.”
A check of the airline’s booking website, for a flight to Hefei Xinqao flagged the message “sold out” for all three weekly flights more than a month forward. There was no information on fares either.
In addition, the airline plans to operate flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam this October, Mr Patee noted.
Nok Air currently operates two daily flights from Bangkok to Yangon in Myanmar and services Fly ‘n’ Ride to Pakse and Luang Prabang in Laos.
The airline also operates direct flights to 23 domestic destinations, nationwide.
This year Nok Air will take delivery of four new planes — two Boeing 737-800s and two Bombardier Q400 turbo props giving it 28 aircraft.

sourced:ttrweekly.com