THAI Smile Airways creates another milestone, as the only scheduled airline from Thailand to fly to Gaya and Varanasi, Jaipur, and Lucknow, with the launch of new flights to India’s aforementioned four cities. The flights will gradually start operation from Bangkok to Gaya and Varanasi from October 1, Bangkok to Jaipur from November 15, and Bangkok to Lucknow from December 1, 2016. These flights will bridge the demand of both Indians and Thais, who have been looking for seamless connections for religion, work and leisure purpose, in Thailand, India and onward destinations.
Isra Stapanaseth, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at New Delhi Office said, “Tourism Authority of Thailand congratulates THAI Smile Airline to operate direct flight from tier II cities like Jaipur, Lucknow to Thailand which are potential markets for India. THAI Smile makes it more convenient and effective in terms of tourism; segments like weddings, corporates, family, luxury travellers and commercial trades will be benefited. With this direct connectivity, we are very positive that it will boost the tourism from these cities to Thailand in the near future.”
Captain Woranate Laprabang, Acting Chief Executive Officer, THAI Smile Airways, said that THAI Smile Airways, which is a 100% subsidiary of THAI Airways, the national flag carrier, introduces new flights to India’s four popular cities. The flights will gradually start operation respectively from Bangkok to Gaya and Varanasi, effective from October 1, Bangkok to Jaipur from November 15, and Bangkok to Lucknow from December 1.
“We consider these connecting flights as one of our strategic destinations in Indian region. THAI Smile Airways is undertaking an ambitious growth programme to develop network and ensure international connectivity. Moreover, we are committed to ensuring that our passengers have greater choice and opportunity to discover new destinations by flying with THAI Smile Airways,” Captain Woranate said.
“THAI Smile Airways understands the immense need for passengers travelling among these four cities. A journey which can be covered in less than four hours can take up to 8 – 10 hours. We wish to make it more comfortable and affordable to Indian passengers,” Captain Woranate added.
The flight will operate with A320 aircraft which will offer a Premium Economy Class (12 seats) and Economy Class (154 seats) and host of features for passengers, such as the in-flight entertainment experience and specially designed Indian cuisine and beverages to passengers.
“Our well trained and experienced flight crew have been meticulously selected to provide full service with the same standard as with that of THAI Airways. This is to meet the highest standards of quality, while offering value for money experience to the passengers. This is our top priority. With our determination to be a favourite regional airline in Asia, we therefore continue to expand international routes and increase flight frequency to facilitate the passengers,” Captain Woranate explained.
In addition, THAI Smile has chosen The Bird Group as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for the Indian market. The appointment was made with immediate effect. The Bird Group will handle the airline’s sales development, bookings, and ticketing services within India as well as conduct direct marketing and service support to Indian travel agents.
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Travels, stated that The Bird Group is pleased and excited to be associated with THAI Smile Airways as their GSA in India. THAI Smile is a young and vibrant airline and subsidiary of Thai Airways which is a very well know brand in India among travellers. We are also honoured to have been selected by an ambitious, reliable and dynamic carrier like THAI Smile to consolidate its brand in the Indian market and to increase sales through targeted, effective, and proactive actions. We definitely look forward to a great working association with THAI Smile and are very optimistic of making their operations a big success.
