Competition Among Low-Cost Airlines Getting Fierce: Thailand

[webfact]

Competition among low-cost airlines getting fierce

BANGKOK, 10 January 2012 (NNT) - A low-cost airline operator has pointed out that the competition of domestic airlines in Thailand is getting tougher and tougher, with many operators adding more planes for more frequent flights.

The Orient Thai Airline has revealed that the aviation business in Thailand is getting more competitive, with airlines offering lower prices this year.

Despite the recent floods reducing Thai people’s purchasing power, Thai Air Asia, Nok Air and other low-cost airlines have been adding more planes to their fleets, while small and medium entrepreneurs are planning to open new airline services.

The shrinkage of European and American tourist numbers is also the result of the worsening global economy, which forces low cost airlines have to fight for their passengers. According to the Orient Thai, tickets booked close to the travelling dates are no longer expensive, given the airlines are in a price war.

The Orient Thai has been shifting its focus to international flights in the form of chartered flights serving routes from Bangkok to South Korea, Kunming, Guangzhou, and Myanmar. The company figures that the Chinese have high purchasing power and like traveling to Thailand. It will begin these flights after the Chinese New Year.

At the same time, the airline has also been changing their planes from MD to Boeing 737 and 747 to enhance their service image. It is targeting to cater to 2 million passengers this year.

-- NNT 2012-01-10

[Ricardo]

Orient Thai have had elderly 747s in their fleet for some time, that's nothing new.

But the entry this summer of Thai-Smile will no doubt put pressure on the other LCCs.

[hyperdimension]

Was this a paid advertisement? It belongs in the trash.

[AndyKapp]

boring