Jetstar adds Phuket flights

SINGAPORE: -- The Singaporean budget airline Jetstar Asia will begin flying to Phuket four times weekly starting today, further boosting the resort island's recovery from last year's tsunami.

"Phuket is solidly back on the map. All indications point to an economy that has settled down and is ready to accept a new phase in its tradition as a great resort destination," Jetstar Asia chief executive Ken Ryan said in a statement.

With hotel occupancy rates still recovering, he said, it was time to "recapture the excitement and beauty" of the island.

Jetstar Asia said it would offer one-way fares before taxes starting at S$30 (720 baht) for travel up to Dec 15.

Jetstar Asia is a partnership between Qantas (49%), local businessmen Tony Chew (22%) and FF Wong (10%) and Temasek Holdings (19%). AFP

--Bangkok Post/Agencies 2005-10-25

This puts Thai International to shame. They STILL haven't resumed direct flights between Phuket and Singapore.

Edited October 25, 200520 yr by Sir Burr

Jetstar begins flights to Phuket

PHUKET: -- Singapore-based economy airline Jetstar Asia yesterday began its four-times-weekly service from Singapore to Phuket, with tickets selling for as little as S$30 (about 725 baht) until December 15.

Jetstar Asia flights leave Singapore every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:05 am, arriving in Phuket at 7:45 am. The return flight leaves Phuket at 8:45 am, arriving in Singapore at 11:25 am.

Ken Ryan, the airline’s CEO, explained, “Phuket is solidly back on the map. All indications point to an economy that has settled down and is ready to accept a new phase in its tradition as a great resort destination.

“We’re pleased to be able to support this growth with Jetstar Asia’s service fitting perfectly with the Phuket brand.

Eumporn Jiragalwisul, Director of the Singapore office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “We are very glad that Jetstar Asia made the decision to fly to Phuket.

“With the additional flights, it will definitely help to bring in more visitors from Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to Phuket and surrounding provinces, which will give the tourism industries there an added boost.”

Jetstar is jointly owned by Australian flag carrier Qantas (49%), Singaporean businessmen Tony Chew (22%) and FF Wong (10%), and the Singapore government’s Temasek Holdings (19%). It has a fleet of four new Airbus A320-200 aircraft, each capable of carrying 180 passengers.

Flights may be booked through the Jetstar website at www.JetstarAsia.com"

--Lutchak Aviation 2005-10-29