Thai AirAsia will this year increase flight frequency to its most popular destinations in China, encouraged by successful records in the past year and the first quarter. Business in Indochina, including Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as domestic traffic also increased. Thai AirAsia's overall passenger numbers for the first quarter were on target, with a record-breaking March 2013 of approximately 920,000 passengers. The airline is optimistic of meeting its target of 10 million total passengers for 2013, an increase from 8.3 million passengers in 2012 and 6.9 million passengers in 2011.
To penetrate the Chinese market, starting from April 30, the number of flights to Hong Kong will be increased to 3 per day: Bangkok-Wuhan to 2 flights per day (starting on June 3), and Bangkok-Chongqing to 2 flights per day (starting on July 1).
Referring to the Department of Tourism’s figure, the low-cost airline said the number of Chinese air travellers in the first quarter increased by 97 per cent of 850,000. It said it catered services to over half of that. Continuous passenger growth is expected while the airline is optimistic in meeting its target to transport 5 million Chinese travellers in the next 5 years by increasing flight frequency and opening up new destinations.
The airline penetrated China after its relocation from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport last year. The airline now operates fights to 9 routes in 7 Chinese desstinations.
"After the relocation, we can visibly see that the airline has continued to grow at a positive rate, especially in our key markets of China, Indochina and our domestic routes within Thailand. In 2012, we worked on opening up more destinations in China," said Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia.
In 2012, it catered services to 1.1 million Chinese to and from Thailand.
In line with plans of receiving new additional Airbus A320 aircraft and continuously expanding to new destinations, AirAsia is setting a target to transport 5 million Chinese travellers within the next 5 years.