Thai Airways makes first flights to Samui
#1
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Thai Airways makes first flights to Samui
From today's Bangkok Post
Thai Airways International (THAI) will this week launch twice-daily flights between Bangkok and Samui Island, targeting European tourists making stopovers in the capital, the national carrier announced Monday.
The daily flights will begin on Thursday using Boeing 737-400 airplanes with a capacity of 149 passengers.
"We aim to make the route very competitive by marketing it to tourists from major European cities currently served by THAI connecting through Suvarnabhumi Airport," said THAI Exectuive Vice President Pandit Chanapai.
THAI expects more than 70 per cent of passengers on its Bangkok-Samui routes to be foreigners.
Pradit described the new route as a "breakthrough" for THAI, the national carrier.
Samui, already one of Thailand's most popular resort islands, has for the past two decades been served exclusively by Bangkok Airways, a private airline that owns the island's only airport.
THAI must pay Bangkok Airways for the use of its airport and ground services in order to gain access to the island. (dpa)
Thai Airways International (THAI) will this week launch twice-daily flights between Bangkok and Samui Island, targeting European tourists making stopovers in the capital, the national carrier announced Monday.
The daily flights will begin on Thursday using Boeing 737-400 airplanes with a capacity of 149 passengers.
"We aim to make the route very competitive by marketing it to tourists from major European cities currently served by THAI connecting through Suvarnabhumi Airport," said THAI Exectuive Vice President Pandit Chanapai.
THAI expects more than 70 per cent of passengers on its Bangkok-Samui routes to be foreigners.
Pradit described the new route as a "breakthrough" for THAI, the national carrier.
Samui, already one of Thailand's most popular resort islands, has for the past two decades been served exclusively by Bangkok Airways, a private airline that owns the island's only airport.
THAI must pay Bangkok Airways for the use of its airport and ground services in order to gain access to the island. (dpa)
#2
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fantastic little airport too, I wonder how Thai will treat its pax ex USM, they'll have to supply free food and drink to all their passengers too or everyone will see what the Bangkok air passengers are getting and move over.
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Just out of curiosity does anyone know why TG does not serve Alcohol on any of it's domestic flights? I know Bangkok Airways serves you beer... Quite well priced too.
#4
The departure 'gate' had the usual Bangkok Airways self-service bar counter with snacks and drinks for TG passengers. On board, service is the standard TG snack box, far below the old-school F&B service that PG offers.
Fares are roughly equal, so it only really makes sense with a TG international connection in BKK.
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Regards
John
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#14
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I flew USM-BKK on TG-J in April 09. From what I remember there is no lounge to speak off. Things could have changed since then. The airport is very basic, with an open air concept. If it is raining you will be advised to bring an umbrella as you have to walk outside to get to the gate area. The gate area has snacks and juice for all passengers regardless of class. (Something that Bangkok Airways (the ground agent at USM) does for all its flight). No jet-bridge with everyone being shuttled to the aircraft in a buggy. I took the morning flight and found no services open. Only one restaurant but all they were serving was coffee, no breakfast to speak off. I wouldn't plan on spending any extra time at the airport and suggest you bring something to eat if you think you will be hungry. If flying J you will get a small meal on board. No clue about economy class.
#15
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Flew BKK-USM-BKK 2-3 weeks ago and when returning to BKK i asked BKK Air about lounge and i was told there is none for Thai Air.As said in earlier post you can have softdrinks and snacks at the gate.
Here's some pics from that trip
Food in C, BKK-USM
Toothpick
Friendly FA
Koh Phangan, just before landing at USM
Runway at USM
Buggy back to terminal
Bagageclaim didn't look like this 15 years ago...
Bangkok Air
Snacks at gate and a lovely lemonade
Boarding
Up front in the 737
Food in C, USM-BKK
Here's some pics from that trip
Food in C, BKK-USM
Toothpick
Friendly FA
Koh Phangan, just before landing at USM
Runway at USM
Buggy back to terminal
Bagageclaim didn't look like this 15 years ago...
Bangkok Air
Snacks at gate and a lovely lemonade
Boarding
Up front in the 737
Food in C, USM-BKK