British Airways (BA) is recommencing its connections with Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, adding fuel to the excitement of travellers eager to explore Asia once more.

 

Starting in late October, British Airways will be steering its Boeing 777s three times a week from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok, veering away from the previous daily flights from Heathrow. However, first-class cabins will not be available on the revived service. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur will witness daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR), signalling BA’s robust commitment to expanding its Asian network post-pandemic.

 

Aviation experts speculate on BA’s strategic shift, indicating a deviation from its traditional market routes. Kuala Lumpur’s limited direct links to Europe offer BA a golden opportunity to tap into unexplored territories. As for Bangkok’s relocation to Gatwick, it’s a tactical move to tackle lower yields while keeping the route popular.

BA Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle unveiled a 7-billion-British-pound (approximately 31 billion baht) modernisation plan, aligning with the reintroduction of these Southeast Asian links. The plan encompasses a myriad of upgrades, from enhanced customer care to environmental sustainability initiatives, promising a transformative journey for both passengers and the planet, reported Aviation A2Z.

Furthermore, BA’s Executive Club members are in for a tech-savvy treat, with the introduction of free in-flight wifi messaging services, set to take off from April 3. Moreover, the airline is sprucing up its short-haul aircraft with new cabins and seats, featuring extra-large overhead luggage bins.

 

In related news, an unruly British man was arrested after his flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow landed following a cowardly attack on a Thai Airways member of staff. The 35 year old unnamed British man went berserk only minutes after the flight from the Thai capital took off on February 7 and proceeded to smash up the aircraft’s toilet.

 

In other news, come March 31, Thai Airways (THAI) will operate flights to Perth in Western Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka. In addition, THAI’s first flight to Southwest India’s Cochin Airport will take off on April 2.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of Anna Zvereva via Aviation A2Z

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-06

 

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Gatwick sucks for me, but hopefully bring other direct flights down a bit on the London route. The KL route is interesting.

'BA reignites ... adding fuel to the excitement'.

 

I think I'll stick to Cathay Pacific.

2 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Gatwick sucks for me, but hopefully bring other direct flights down a bit on the London route. The KL route is interesting.

 

    There are direct trains from Clapham Junction that takes about 30 minutes 

I feel like that's a pretty poor choice of words! But, more seriously, BA running their oldest planes to Bangkok should have anyone looking for another carrier. It's not like there is a shortage of choice.

29 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    There are direct trains from Clapham Junction that takes about 30 minutes 

And Clapham Junction is easily reached from Balham!

 

 

 

23 minutes ago, Karma80 said:

I feel like that's a pretty poor choice of words! But, more seriously, BA running their oldest planes to Bangkok should have anyone looking for another carrier. It's not like there is a shortage of choice.

 

As a former frequent flyer (usually business class) with BA from Bangkok to UK I swore that after horrible experiences I would never fly with them again.Then they gave up on Thailand so I did not have to consider.

 

Now they are back from end year.Out of curiosity I checked the business class return cost.It's Bt 276,000 about Bt 150,000 more than better alternatives such as Eva.

 

So I will continue to forswear the delights of poor service, obese cabin crews, grating estuary accents, unreliable timing and disgusting food and overall mediocrity.Not a hard choice.

3 minutes ago, jayboy said:

As a former frequent flyer (usually business class)

Yeah me too..... I have had some horrible experiences, mostly associated with going through Heathrow as I needed to get up to Manchester. Not sure how Gartwick is these days but I think I will still pass and transit in Dubai!

Had a great couple of flights with them back in 2019 with my family, they really took great care of us. Service was excellent for economy, price was very good value.

 

36 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

I think I will still pass and transit in Dubai!

My route in May but still can't avoid the hellhole that is MAN.

1 hour ago, herfiehandbag said:

And Clapham Junction is easily reached from Balham!

 

 

  Delete 

until you see the increase in price

Big no from me. Add the price of travelling from The North West of England and a possible overnight stay in some grubby hotel near Gatwick. Much cheaper going via Dubai from the hellhole called Manchester airport. 

Flying from Gatwick only serves to illustrate how Bangkok is regarded as a bucket-and-spade destination.

8 hours ago, webfact said:

In related news, an unruly British man was arrested after his flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow landed following a cowardly attack on a Thai Airways member of staff. The 35 year old unnamed British man went berserk only minutes after the flight from the Thai capital took off on February 7 and proceeded to smash up the aircraft’s toilet.

Dear Thaiger/Khun Puntid/AI Bot,

 

Could you clarify how is this even vaguely related to the news regarding BAs plans for their business operations globally and across SE Asia ? Answers on a postcard please…

 

Regards, RF.

Gatwick sucks for me too (I live in Scotland) but maybe Kuala Lumpur and a connection?

 

For the last few years I have been using Manchester BUT I still have those pesky BA vouchers (from Covid cancellations) to use!!!!

18 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

Gatwick sucks for me too (I live in Scotland) but maybe Kuala Lumpur and a connection?

 

For the last few years I have been using Manchester BUT I still have those pesky BA vouchers (from Covid cancellations) to use!!!!

Why didn't you just take the cash refund,I did when cancelling my return ticket?

9 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Gatwick sucks for me, but hopefully bring other direct flights down a bit on the London route. The KL route is interesting.

but not for me, cuts nearly an hour of driving off and no ULEZ fares. Just hope prices are reasonable

1 hour ago, blazes said:

Flying from Gatwick only serves to illustrate how Bangkok is regarded as a bucket-and-spade destination.

It’s because they moved their onward flights to Australia and the like from Bangkok to Singapore. Obviously AOT became uncompetitive/ inconvenient compared to Singapore,so this just reflects what they reckon Bangkok only route is worth 

12 minutes ago, Chongalulu said:

It’s because they moved their onward flights to Australia and the like from Bangkok to Singapore. Obviously AOT became uncompetitive/ inconvenient compared to Singapore,so this just reflects what they reckon Bangkok only route is worth 

 

And it may explain the silly business class price I quoted earlier.I'm guessing BA hopes to capture the relatively small First Class market with a decent business class and a price to match.To be fair the premium economy and economy fares look quite reasonable

BA are better than what they used to be but could still improve more.