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Viva Macau, the new international
low-cost Macau-based airline, has launched its first flight schedule
with fares as low as HK$88 to top destinations.
The airline is selling one-way tickets to its short-haul destinations Phuket, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia for HK$88; while fares to
long-haul route Maldives cost only HK$888.
“Viva Macau is set to fly in December in a bid to bring residents of Macau, Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta
(PRD) to our exciting
destinations at great value for money,” said Andrew Pyne the airline’s chief executive. “With this, we also bring quick and efficient access
to the spirit of Macau, Asia’s vibrant entertainment capital.”
Viva Macau will fly to
the Maldives twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays beginning December 21, 2006. Tickets on this special
introductory fare are valid for travel until January 31, 2007.
Viva Macau is the latest entrant in the fast-growing low-fare sector of the airline industry.
Viva Macau operates Boeing wide-body 767 jets, which give it a 12-hour range and allow it to offer
service as far as Australia, the Middle East and Europe. The airline offers two classes of cabin service, dubbed Star and
Superstar.
With Viva Macau’s start of operations, inbound traffic to Macau is expected to increase significantly. Of the top five growth markets,
Thailand and Indonesia ranked 3rd and 5th respectively, according to a recent Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) report on Macau.
Thailand has registered a 65.7% growth from January-October 2006, compared to the same period last year. Indonesia marked a 41.8%
growth. The recent addition of world-class casinos, entertainment facilities and Macau’s rich cultural heritage have been attributed as all
contributing to the boom.
The
Maldives, has been a favorite destination from China and the
PRD. Since the Maldives received Approved Destination Status (ADS) from China in December 2002 the island has received a robust increase in Chinese arrivals. According to a Maldives Tourism
report, growth rates from this region have maintained double digits during the last five year period. In 2004, growth rate to Maldives was at
37%, placing the Chinese market second in Maldives’ top regional source markets.
Tickets
at the above promotional fares can be purchased at Viva Macau’s website,
www.flyvivamacau.com, or from
appointed travel agents until December 31, 2006.
See
other recent news regarding:
Airlines,
Viva
Macau
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