Phuket set to get direct flight link to Hainan

PHUKET: -- The first Hainanese immigrants to arrive in Thailand's southern resort province of Phuket had to make the arduous journey by sea, but soon visitors from the Chinese island province will be able to visit the country’s premier resort island much more easily, thanks to the introduction of a direct flight link.

Mr. Phattanaphong Ekwanich, the President of the Phuket Tourism Association, who visited Hainan last week to witness the signing of a twin town agreement between the two island provinces, today described the proposed air link as a new step towards greater tourism and trade cooperation.

Under the deal, which will first have to be submitted to the Thai and Chinese governments for further consideration, Hainan Airlines, which has a fleet of over 100 aircraft and is in the process of expanding, will provide a direct air link between the two islands.

--TNA 2005-05-27

An interesting developement. The Chinese have been building up the island as a major tourist resort, particularly around Sanya. Plenty of 4 / 5 star hotels and golf courses to attract high spending Asian and European tour groups.