TWO THAI MAJOR AIRLINES LAUNCHED NEW CAMPAIGNS TO ATTRACT MORE PASSSENGERS

Thai Airways International, the national airline, and Bangkok Airways, the country’s leading privately-owned airline, have introduced special promotional campaigns to boost international and domestic travel within, to and from Thailand. Tourism Authority of Thailand has welcomed these campaigns.

Although one aspect of it is designed to promote outbound travel, TAT officials said they welcomed the move because it would help strengthen route profitability. “There is no such thing as one-way tourism these days,” said Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. “If THAI is launching promotions for Thais to travel abroad, it will need to generate similar promotions in the cities which it is serving to bring visitors to Thailand. That’s good for all of us.”

The Thai Airways campaign was launched on 13 July 2009, is called “Fly THAI Get More”, a promotional air fare offer valid on THAI’s selected domestic and international routes. THAI’s offer is valid for return air tickets in Economy Class, at prices starting from 2,810 Baht for domestic destinations and 4,300 Baht for international destinations.

The special prices include flights to Singapore starting at 5,645 Baht, Shanghai and Beijing starting at 12,930 Baht, Tokyo at 16,025 Baht, Korea at 16,170 Baht. A number of services are being offered without extra charges, such as up to 40 kg of check-in luggage allowance and lounge access per class of service entitlement. Passengers can make their own seat selections upon reservation.

The offer is valid until 31 July 2009, with first travel departing Bangkok before 30 September 2009. All prices are inclusive of airport tax and surcharges at net price. Mileage can be accrued by members of THAI’s Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer programme for travels on domestic routes only. In turn, Bangkok Airways launched “Flyer Pass” on 15 July 2009.” According to the airline, it is the first prepaid sets of tickets designed to fulfill different lifestyles for hassle-free and value-for-money travel.

The Flyer Pass is divided to four packs, each consisting of four flight sectors selectable from the card’s designated destinations at prices starting from all inclusive airfare of 9,000 Baht up to 29,000 Baht. It is available for online booking via www.bangkokair.com/FlyerPass and through Bangkok Airways Call Center 1771. Nandhika Varavarn, Vice President for Corporate Communications said that the campaign “is expected to stimulate and motivate the market even more on top of our recent campaigns and promotions.”

The Flyer Pass is available at all Bangkok Airways offices and at travel agents. It will make a debut for purchase with 20% discount at Bangkok’s upcoming travel events; “The Ultimate Dream Destination at Siam Paragon”, held during 17-26 July at the Siam paragon and at the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale”, held during 30 July – 2 August at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Moreover, KTC-Bangkok Airways credit cardholders will enjoy additional 5% discount at Amazing Thailand Grand Sale and Citibank credit cardholders will receive additional 5% discount at Siam Paragon.