Spring soars to Bangkok

BANGKOK, 12 July 2012: Spring Airlines, China’s only low-cost carrier will start a daily flight between Shanghai and Bangkok 10 August.

It marks the carrier’s first service to Southeast Asia and sixth international destination after Ibaraki, Saga and Takamatsu in Japan, Hong Kong and Macau. It operates to 25 domestic destinations.

Using an Airbus A320, the flight will depart from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport at 1330 and land at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 1710. It does a quick turnaround at 1810 to arrive in Shanghai at 2335.

The airline has also launched a Thai website to tap local sales. It has not stated a policy on travel agency sales, but most low-cost airlines avoid the channel claiming the commission and distribution costs are too high.

Fares will start at US$315.2, or around Bt9,995. The website sells fares to other Chinese cities and North Asian destinations via its base in Shanghai.

Currently there are only two full-services carrier operating nonstop flights between Bangkok and Shanghai — Thai Airways International and China Eastern Airlines, both with two daily flights.

The lowest Spring Airlines’ fare is about 20% to 35% lower than those of full-service carrier.

Under the 52nd Anniversary online campaign, valid until 30 September, THAI sells Shanghai at Bt16,100 in economy class, while China Eastern sells its lowest fare at Bt12,490. The carrier offers 15 kg of free checked baggage allowance.

Spring Airlines’ fleet consists of 27 Airbus A320-200 with five on order, configured in a single class with 174 seats.

Sourced: ttrweekly