News
Thai VietJet readies to launch
July 1st 2016
Thai VietJet Air will launch regular commercial flights within the next two months, Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, vice-president of VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company, the carrier’s parent, has told the Bangkok Post. Read More »
The budget carrier plans to assume parent VietJet’s Suvarnabhumi to Hanoi and HCMC routes, before expanding to Da Nang, Dalat and Haiphong. Thai VietJet is expected to also launch Thai domestic services.
"Three years of preparations have been quite good, allowing us to ensure that all of the crucial factors, including the airline's operating licence, safety protocols and issues related to operational readiness are set for a smooth kick-off," Binh said.
Thai VietJet is 49%-owned by VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company, with the 51% remainder held by unnamed Thai interest groups, after Kan Air founder, Somphong Sooksanguan, sold his 51% last year, citing differences in managerial style.
Thai VietJet will operate A320 aircraft sourced from VietJet. The parent currently operates 35 A320 Family aircraft, with another 183 on firm order.
In other Thai updates, flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) will take delivery of its first two A350s in August and September, respectively, following delays caused by interiors manufacturers. The aircraft is scheduled to make its long-haul debut on the double daily Suvarnabhumi-Melbourne route.
THAI last week announced it will open a new thrice-weekly Bangkok-Tehran service from October 1, and it will resume four-weekly operations to Moscow starting November 1.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways has expressed disappointment over the Myanmar Department of Civil Aviation’s decision to reject the carrier’s application for traffic rights between Suvarnabhumi and Myeik, as well as Chiang Mai and Nyaung-u.
Local airlines have reportedly lobbied the Myanmar regulator to restrict foreign carrier access, citing an overheated, unprofitable domestic market.
