Hong Kong Direct Flights

[folium]

Quote from the boss of Thai Air Asia today:

"Chiang Mai is a tourism destination that has uniqueness. The airline expects to push it to become an aviation hub of the region to link with other new flights," chief executive officer Tassapol Bijleveld said yesterday.

New international destinations in the region will likely start with Hong Kong next year".

Would be great to have direct CNX-HKG flights again, but Thai Air Asia is also talking about BKK-CRK and BKK-CMB flights in the next few months, so won't hold my breath quite yet about any of these.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

While on the topic of connections from CNX, look at how brilliant this is:

Chiang Mai, evening departure, only one stop to New York, morning arrival. A380 Super Jumbo too.

Short of a direct CNX-JFK flight, it doesn't get better than that.

Edited November 17, 2011 by WinnieTheKhwai

[pgthompson]

While on the topic of connections from CNX, look at how brilliant this is:

Chiang Mai, evening departure, only one stop to New York, morning arrival. A380 Super Jumbo too.

Short of a direct CNX-JFK flight, it doesn't get better than that.

Trust this ticket is for you and I hope it's a one-way ticket.

[trainman34014]

This is indeed good news and lets hope more flights are added direct from CNX as time goes by. We need a CNX-Anywhere in Europe direct flight more than any other.

Just hope these proposed new routes are supported well enough to keep them at a time when tourism is suffering because of multiple hiccups in Thailand over the last two or three years.

[uptheos]

This is indeed good news and lets hope more flights are added direct from CNX as time goes by. We need a CNX-Anywhere in Europe direct flight more than any other.

Just hope these proposed new routes are supported well enough to keep them at a time when tourism is suffering because of multiple hiccups in Thailand over the last two or three years.

I don't think a Chiang Mai to anywhere in Europe will ever happen, there's just not enough customers.

Yes, we see lots of tourists in Chiang Mai, but the majority of them are only here a few days as part of a bigger trip to Thailand, encompassing Bangkok and the beaches/islands.

I'd certainly like to see more Chiang Mai to Myanmar flights, only Air Bagan of Myanmar has that initiative. Also other places such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia etc, would be nice.

[Firelily]

as far as I remember, I think direct flights to Europe are impossible because the runway is not long enough to accommodate a plane so full of fuel to take off.

[millwall_fan]

Chiang Mai to Europe might not be feasible, but what about CNX-DXB? Then we could link in with Emirates hub and get loads of onward connections without having to use nasty old Suvanarbhumi!

[folium]

as far as I remember, I think direct flights to Europe are impossible because the runway is not long enough to accommodate a plane so full of fuel to take off.

Runway at CNX 3100m

runway at HKT (Phuket) 3000m

So no problem about getting long haul flights into CNX. It's more a problem of load factors.

The problem with CM is the lack of unique selling points for the 2-3 week tourist (before anyone leaps out of there chair, CM great place to live/retire to, not so great for tourists now all SE Asia is open for business, with a soon-to-be out of purdah Burma being the next place to eat Thailand's tourist lunch) .

Now if the third rate joke of the Night Safari became a proper amusement park along the lines of a full blown Disneyland/Universal Studios or similar (and there is no full scale such thing yet in the region) that really would put CM back on the must-do list for tourists and achieve the apparent aim of swapping sex-pats/tourists for family vacationers.

Given recent trends in tourism the most likely flights that realistically could be added for CNX would be anywhere in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing) to supplement the current CRJ flight to Kunming, or India (Mumbai, Delhi), plus regional flights but these will depend on a more flexible approach to airline competition in by the authoritarian governments of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. But what would drive such tourists to choose to come here rather than anywhere else in SE Asia?

Mass relocation of transplant manufacturing sites from flood prone Bangkok/Ayutthaya area to CM area to stimulate business travellers? Proposed minimum wage will probably mean they relocate to Cambodia, Vietnam or Indonesia.

All in all, while I cross my fingers for more direct flights from CNX if you look back over time they have come and gone with monotonous regularity and the load factor remains the killer factor, so don't hold your breath for multiple new routes that last more than a few months.

[uptheos]

But what would drive such tourists to choose to come here rather than anywhere else in SE Asia?

Hmm........can I get back to you on that one?

There is so much in SEA, that is far more interesting (for a tourist).

[uptheos]

Chiang Mai to Europe might not be feasible, but what about CNX-DXB? Then we could link in with Emirates hub and get loads of onward connections without having to use nasty old Suvanarbhumi!

UAE & Qatar will become the connecting hub of world air travel.

They have money to burn and will make it so.

[nikster]

CNX-HK would be awesome, indeed. I can see how this and the Singapore flight would be pretty good routes as the HiSo Thais can fly shopping, and the Singaporeans and Hongkongians can come and enjoy CM for the weekend.

My feeling is the only problem with CM as a destination is that there is not a whole lot of business travel here. Tourism is just fine.

[smiling mantis]

Runway at CNX 3100m

runway at HKT (Phuket) 3000m

So no problem about getting long haul flights into CNX.

There's density altitude to consider too.

[folium]

CNX-HK would be awesome, indeed. I can see how this and the Singapore flight would be pretty good routes as the HiSo Thais can fly shopping, and the Singaporeans and Hongkongians can come and enjoy CM for the weekend.

My feeling is the only problem with CM as a destination is that there is not a whole lot of business travel here. Tourism is just fine.

There are already direct flights to Singapore on SilkAir and Air Asia, let's just hope that there are enough Hong Kong visitors to CM to make a CNX-HKG viable.

How big is the Thai hi-so population in CM anyway, don't see that many BMW M series or Porsche Cayennes around town and hi-so types photographing their food on their iphones? Perhaps my hi-so radar is not that good. Now the (very remote) chance of getting their Gucci loafers a trifle moist has passed most of the jetset refugees have probably headed back to BK.

[folium]

Runway at CNX 3100m

runway at HKT (Phuket) 3000m

So no problem about getting long haul flights into CNX.

There's density altitude to consider too.

I'm no pilot but sat in the back on a fair few flights and CNX at a mighty 316m hardly makes it up the "hot & high" index of airstrips.

It's a little different at La Paz (4062m), Mexico City (2230m), Quito (2830m) or Kabul (1789m). But heck, what do I know?

[smiling mantis]

Runway at CNX 3100m

runway at HKT (Phuket) 3000m

So no problem about getting long haul flights into CNX.

There's density altitude to consider too.

I'm no pilot but sat in the back on a fair few flights and CNX at a mighty 316m hardly makes it up the "hot & high" index of airstrips.

It's a little different at La Paz (4062m), Mexico City (2230m), Quito (2830m) or Kabul (1789m). But heck, what do I know?

Yeah, I'm not a pilot either, I'm just thinking that maybe 3000m is right on the line, and so that 316 may make a difference if there's a low pressure area overhead and it's a hot day.

[uptheos]

CNX-HK would be awesome, indeed. I can see how this and the Singapore flight would be pretty good routes as the HiSo Thais can fly shopping, and the Singaporeans and Hongkongians can come and enjoy CM for the weeken.

Right - Hong Kong has nothing going for it.......much better to come and rave it up in Chiang Mai.

[No1]

There's density altitude to consider too.

No factor. Phuket is always a few degrees hotter and more humid which will take the average density altitude to the same or higher levels as prevailing in CNX.

Now, with only 3100 m of runway the airlines are somewhat limited to certain types of aircraft: 747s could not be used, they all come with more than 3000m of take off roll. Also the A340s require around 3000 m, so you get either less range or less passengers than max possible in this type. Forget about A380s or 787s.

From long range aircraft, probably the A330-200 is one of the few possible choices for direct hauls into Europe.

So, it is possible but the runway length in CNX limits the airlines' options. Please, excuse this brief deviation from the initial question.

In order to become more attractive for airlines, Chiangmai had to be promoted as a tourist destination but that takes the initiative of the regional tourism-boards to pay incentives to the airlines and to give them guarantees during an initial period. Probably they are not organized or funded for this (yet).

[Ricardo]

Of course any possible problem with runway-length can be avoided, by stopping half-way somewhere in the Gulf, to fill-up with cheap fuel, thus reducing their take-off weight at CNX ! European charter-airlines flying to Phuket in the winter-season certainly already do that.

I suspect that 3,000 meters would be sufficient for a fully-loaded A380 making a normal take-off, but might not allow for any problem like an engine-flameout during the takeoff-run. We were visited in CNX, a couple of years ago, by an Airbus A380 making a demonstration-flight up from Bangkok ... quite a few enthusiasts went to see it arrive, super aircraft and very quiet !

Meanwhile the 747-400s of TG already operate daily CNX-BKK, with a relatively-light load of fuel & freight, on their 10.00 scheduled-departure.

But I'm wandering off-thread, apologies to the OP. :jap:

Edited November 21, 2011 by Ricardo

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Of course any possible problem with runway-length can be avoided, by stopping half-way somewhere in the Gulf, to fill-up with cheap fuel, thus reducing their take-off weight at CNX ! European charter-airlines flying to Phuket in the winter-season certainly already do that.

I suspect that 3,000 meters would be sufficient for a fully-loaded A380 making a normal take-off, but might not allow for any problem like an engine-flameout during the takeoff-run. We were visited in CNX, a couple of years ago, by an Airbus A380 making a demonstration-flight up from Bangkok ... quite a few enthusiasts went to see it arrive, super aircraft and very quiet !

Yes, I went to see it too. Here;'s the vid (not my vid) :

[Thailand]

Savvy travel agents will have worked out by now that what they could present to their potential customers a nice round trip via Air Asia: HKG-CNX-BK-HKG, or HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or HKG-SIN-CNX-HKG and the reverse etc etc.

[NxaiPan]

Of course any possible problem with runway-length can be avoided, by stopping half-way somewhere in the Gulf, to fill-up with cheap fuel, thus reducing their take-off weight at CNX ! European charter-airlines flying to Phuket in the winter-season certainly already do that.

I suspect that 3,000 meters would be sufficient for a fully-loaded A380 making a normal take-off, but might not allow for any problem like an engine-flameout during the takeoff-run. We were visited in CNX, a couple of years ago, by an Airbus A380 making a demonstration-flight up from Bangkok ... quite a few enthusiasts went to see it arrive, super aircraft and very quiet !

Meanwhile the 747-400s of TG already operate daily CNX-BKK, with a relatively-light load of fuel & freight, on their 10.00 scheduled-departure.

But I'm wandering off-thread, apologies to the OP. :jap:

All fascinating stuff, but sadly I fear direct flights to Europe or the US from CNX are unlikely to happen anytime soon.

In the meantime, being more realistic, let's just hope that Air Asia can deliver on a flight to HKG, with Luang Prabang, Mandalay, Siem Reap and Vietnam being next on the wishlist.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Savvy travel agents will have worked out by now that what they could present to their potential customers a nice round trip via Air Asia: HKG-CNX-BK-HKG, or HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or HKG-SIN-CNX-HKG and the reverse etc etc.

'cept that this is Air Asia, so no money to be made on the tickets. They could of course offer hotel/tour arrangements.

[Ricardo]

My God, is it 4 years ago, already ? How time flies ! Thanks for the video, Winnie. :jap:

Another good option for inbound-tourists, might be HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or vv, combining beach and northern-greenery !

[Thailand]

My God, is it 4 years ago, already ? How time flies ! Thanks for the video, Winnie. :jap:

Another good option for inbound-tourists, might be HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or vv, combining beach and northern-greenery !

Have I been here before or simply Déjà vu.

[folium]

My God, is it 4 years ago, already ? How time flies ! Thanks for the video, Winnie. :jap:

Another good option for inbound-tourists, might be HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or vv, combining beach and northern-greenery !

Have I been here before or simply Déjà vu.

If you were a Hong Kong-based travel agent and Air Asia starts CNX-HKG flights, let's say in Jan 2012; how would I sell Chiang Mai to my clients as a tourist destination?

Looking at the image below I am pretty much spoiled for choice in terms of destinations served by direct flights from HKG, what would persuade my clients to go on a trip to CNX?

Edited November 21, 2011 by folium

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

thankfully Korean AIrlines has stepped in for where ChinaAirlines dropped service. Thanks for pointing that out WTK.

Really excited to try the A380 from Korea to LAX early next year.

At least one good carrier to and from CNX is a good thing!!!!

[Ricardo]

My God, is it 4 years ago, already ? How time flies ! Thanks for the video, Winnie. :jap:

Another good option for inbound-tourists, might be HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or vv, combining beach and northern-greenery !

Have I been here before or simply Déjà vu.

Whoopsie, , another case of Great Minds Thinking Alike ? But mine gets there slower than some !

[Thailand]

My God, is it 4 years ago, already ? How time flies ! Thanks for the video, Winnie. :jap:

Another good option for inbound-tourists, might be HKG-HKT-CNX-HKG or vv, combining beach and northern-greenery !

Have I been here before or simply Déjà vu.

If you were a Hong Kong-based travel agent and Air Asia starts CNX-HKG flights, let's say in Jan 2012; how would I sell Chiang Mai to my clients as a tourist destination?

Looking at the image below I am pretty much spoiled for choice in terms of destinations served by direct flights from HKG, what would persuade my clients to go on a trip to CNX?

Maybe you would offer a new destination, look here Mr & Mrs client you can now fly direct to Chiang Mai not been able to do that for some time. And Mr Client I know how much you like golf, it's one fifth of the price you pay here in HK, and Mrs Client, I know you love to have massages-4 for the price of 1 in HK.

That would be a start would it not?

[jonwilly]

"Now if the third rate joke of the Night Safari became a proper amusement park along the lines of a full blown Disneyland/Universal Studios or similar (and there is no full scale such thing yet in the region) that really would put CM back on the must-do list for tourists and achieve the apparent aim of swapping sex-pats/tourists for family vacationers. "

Thought Khun T originally planned the First Thai Casino on that piece of property.

That would have brought in the high rollers to fill all the 5 * Hotels that appeared in CM during his time.

john

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Casino would be super welcome for the Northern region yes. I can't see it happening of course.