Vietjet spreads wings in Thailand

SINGAPORE  Vietjet has received its aircraft operator certificate to operate flights in Thailand through its new joint venture, ThaiVietjet.
The official launch ceremony took place 20 December in Bangkok and was attended by distinguished delegates and leaders from both Vietnam and Thailand.
VietJet first announced the establishment of new joint venture carrier, ThaiVietJet, back in June 2013 set up with the owners of a small commuter airline Kan Air based in Chiang Mai.
To meet Thai aviation and commercial laws, Vietjet has a 49% sake with the balance held by the Thai partner, but it is understood management and day-to-day operations are under the supervision of the Vietnamese.
inside no 3The airline will start flights with two to three A320s.
Kan Air is a tiny airline, operating single-engine 12-seat Cessna Caravans on four routes in northern Thailand.
But its parent Kannithi, which also owns a debt collection firm, and VietJet’s main shareholder Sovico, a Vietnamese conglomerate, have the financial muscle to back a new player on Thailand’s trunk routes.
VietJet confirmed that its Thailand venture will be based at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and pending Thai aviation authority approval will fly to Phuket Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Hat Yai.
International services could follow later in 2015 and by 2016 to neighbouring Myanmar, where VietJet is looking to establish another joint venture.
VietJet already serves Bangkok, the only international destination for the Vietnamese carrier, out of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
“ThaiVietjet was born out of our desire to offer wonderful flying experiences at the best fares,” said ThaiVietjet chairman of the Board Nguyen Thanh Hung.
“ThaiVietjet will soon become one of the most favourable airlines in Thailand and across the region. We pledge to earn this reputation by showing our utmost respect and care for our customers.”
Since Vietjet started its operations three years ago, the airline has doubled its commercial fleet, transporting 8 million passengers thus far. Vietjet currently operates 26 domestic and international routes.

sourced:ttrweekly.com