Thai Air Asia to adds more flight to Bangkok from Delhi,Kolkata

In a move that could trigger a price war among airlines in the subcontinent, low cost carrier Thai AirAsia on Tuesday announced launch of direct flights linking Bangkok to Delhi and Kolkata from December, while those to three more Indian citie s were on the anvil.From December 1, the airline would operate four flights a week between Delhi and Bangkok and a daily service from Kolkata at all-inclusive one-way fares of Rs 4,500 and Rs 2,500 respectively, Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld told reporters here.

These low fares could trigger a price war between no- frill and full-service carriers operating between India and Thailand, as the outgo of Indian tourists to that country continues to grow leaps and bound. Thailand has been a major destination for India n leisure as well as business travellers.We are aiming at having daily flights between Delhi and Bangkok, depending upon the seat availability agreement between the governments of both the countries, he said.The no-frills carrier is planning to launch direct flights to Bangkok from 2—3 more Indian destinations, including Mumbai in next one year, Bijleveld said.About the future plans of the company, the Thai AirAsia CEO said that the airline aims to have 8—10 per cent of its revenue coming from Indian operations in next 5 years.Thai AirAsia has a fleet of 19 Airbus A320 aircraft and has placed a firm order of 21 more aircraft, he added. - PTI