THAI drops fares on regional routes

THAI drops fares on regional routes

Another fare deals from THAI kicks off to boost Q3 traffic.

Thai Airways International hopes to corner the market with a new fare campaign to lift sagging cabin factors to around 70% over the next three months.

The latest deals come at a time when traffic is dipping due mainly to the A N1H1 virus scare.

Dubbed Fly THAI Get More, or in Thai 'Bin Sud Kua Sud Kum', focuses on regional routes and is available for bookings across all sales channels - THAI ticketing offices, call centres, websites and travel agencies.
Pandit TG

THAI executive vice president, commercial, Pandit Chanapai

Previous campaigns focused on the internet, which prompted complaints from Bangkok-based travel agents, who felt their margins were not being protected.

Fly THAI Get More is valid for bookings up until 24 July, while the outbound flight should be completed by 30 September with 14-day validity.

THAI allocates 30 seats of its economy cabin for the special fares.

Mileage can be accrued by Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer members for travel on domestic routes only.

The lowest domestic all inclusive fare is Bt2,810 roundtrip to Phitsanulok and fares on other destinations vary such as Bt3,170 to Chiang Mai, Bt3,530 to Phuket and Bt3,830 to Hat Yai.

Sample fares: Bt4,300 to Phnom Penh; Bt4,650 Penang; Bt4,780 Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; Bt5,645 Singapore; Bt12,930 Shanghai and Beijing; Bt16,025 Tokyo; Bt16,170 Korea; Bt11,470 Dubai; Bt7,450 Colombo; Bt26,300 Auckland; Bt19,190 Melbourne; Bt17,925 Perth and Bt26,790 London and Frankfurt.

Other destinations include Chengdu, Manila, Dhaka, Karachi, Chennai and Brisbane.

The first 100 passengers, who purchase fares, get two free seats for the "Galileo" movie.

THAI executive vice president, commercial, Pandit Chanapai, said although the general mood was not in favor of travel, the airline still believed the fare deals would help to protect its customer base.

By harnessing yield management, he believes THAI is capable of offering low fares to match budget carriers, while offering added value features associated with legacy airlines.

"Our average international load factor in June was lower than 70%, but in July we should be able to recover some of the business."

In addition, THAI recently launched its Hong Kong Shopping Spree package for Bt9,900 person on two nights' accommodation ( twin-share basis) and return fare.

From 20 July, THAI will increase its fuel surcharge from Bangkok to cities in Europe to US$6 per sector.

For more information, contact 02 356 1111 or visit www.thaiairways.co.th.

Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2009/07/thai-drops-fares-on-regional-routes/