Connect with us

Business

Thailand Set to Gain Two New Low-Cost Airlines in 2020

Both new low cost airlines are jumping onboard a trend in Thai tourism. Whilst tourist numbers are rising in Thailand (up by approximately 3.5% in 2019. Western tourist numbers are in decline while Asian tourists are on the rise.

Avatar of CTN News

Published

on

Thailand Set To Get 2 New Airlines In 2020

Thailand is set to gain two new low-cost airlines in 2020, further fueling growth in the region and providing a boost to the Thai tourism industry. The two new carriers are Thai Summer Airways and Thai Eastar Jet. Both airlines are moving into the final set-up stages before taking off.

As reported in the Bangkok Post, both Thai Summer Airways and Thai Eastar Jet have gained air operating licenses and are now in the process of gaining their air operator certificates.

Two new low-cost airlines to start flying in Asia in 2020

Thai Eastar Jet is a joint venture between Thai and South Korean investors. Simple Flying readers may be familiar with South Korea’s Eastar Jet. Thai Eastar will begin by operating charter services between Bangkok and the Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung but it plans to build a core business operating between Thailand and South Korea.

Thai Summer Airways, on the other hand, is a joint venture between Thai and Chinese investors and plans to focus on routes between Thailand and China using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Information on its website is sketchy.

In fact, when you click on their routes and destinations pages, you get a blank white page. Still, the website says Thai Summer Airways wants to provide passengers with “a punctual, simple and secure travel experience.” – Not a bad thing when so many airlines experiences are neither punctual nor simple.

The changing face of the Thai tourism industry

Both new airlines are jumping onboard a trend in Thai tourism. Whilst tourist numbers are rising in Thailand (up by approximately 3.5% in 2019. Western tourist numbers are in decline while Asian tourists are on the rise. This is not just a short term blip, it is a trend. Thai tourism authorities have been monitoring since 2014. In 2019, 64% of all tourists in Thailand came from just five Asian countries; – China, Malaysia, South Korea, Laos, and Malaysia.

Across Asia, incomes are rising and more people are flying more frequently. We all know the oft-quoted “Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world” line. But the average income in places like Thailand remains relatively low compared to western countries. Above all most local travelers are highly price sensitive. Also, the composition of the tourist market is changing.

Thai Airways struggling to survive

Operating in the Thai market Thailand’s National carrier Thai Airways is struggling to adapt to. The airline is rushing to review its operations and ongoing financial losses. In October, Thai Airways President said the airline was facing a crisis and that very little had been done to avert it.

He cited a variety of factors as contributing to the airline’s woes. A soaring Thai baht was deterring travelers and operating costs were too high.

Further, Thai Airways was facing ferocious local competition from aggressive low-cost airlines. The Thai Airways’ President can now add Thai Eastar Jet and Thai Summer Airways to the mix in 2020.

Moving into the next decade, it’s in markets like Thailand where we’ll see the biggest impact. When top-heavy National carriers like Thai Airways collide against lean and nimble low-cost airlines.

The results are going to be interesting, but also sad if it means the end of previously fine airlines like Thai Airways.

By Simple Flying.Com

Continue Reading

CTN News App

CTN News App

Recent News

BUY FC 24 COINS

compras monedas fc 24

Volunteering at Soi Dog

Find a Job

Jooble jobs

Free ibomma Movies