Build and the LCCs will come, says AirAsia
BANGKOK – Airports of Thailand (AOT) is being urged to discount its airport fees and build a terminal for low cost carriers at Suvarnabhumi Airport to help drive the country’s flagging tourism sector.
Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said the airline is planning to write to AOT early next month, calling on the agency to give a 50 percent discount on airport services at a time when the country needs to reclaim airlines back to the country, following the recent closures of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
“If AOT could give more incentives to us, then we can sell lower price tickets and, when more tourists come to Thailand, AOT will in turn gain more benefits,” Tassapon said.
Tony Fernandes, group CEO of parent company AirAsia, called for Thailand to follow the lead of Singapore and build a dedicated terminal for lowcost carriers.
AirAsia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have announced a regional campaign called “Get Your Baht to Thailand ” by offering 100,000 free AirAsia seats into and out of the country, as well as on all domestic routes.
Passengers must book tickets by this Friday, for travel between January 6 and March 31.
The 100,000 free seats (plus taxes and fees) offer is available from AirAsia hubs in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor), Thailand (Bangkok) and Indonesia (Jakarta).
AirAsia will launch new routes on January 20, both daily services from Bangkok to Bali and Guangzhou.
Ian Jarrett
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