Thai AirAsia Reports Record Q1

Thai AirAsia’s overall passenger numbers for Q1 2013 were on target, with a record-breaking March 2013 of approximately 920,000 passengers.

The airline is optimistic of meeting its target of 10 million total passengers for 2013, an increase from 8.3 million passengers in 2012 and 6.9 million passengers in 2011.

Thai AirAsia has also enjoyed a year-on-year increase of 140% in the number of Chinese passengers. According to Thailand’s Department of Tourism, Chinese travelers entering Thailand via air has increased by 97% compared to the same time last year, reflecting an increase of over 850,000 people. The airline has a target of transporting 5 million Chinese travelers in the next 5 years by increasing flight frequency and opening up new destinations.

Thai AirAsia Reports Record Q1. See More Pictures.

Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia said, “After AirAsia’s move to Don Muang International Airport, we can visibly see that the airline has continued to grow at a positive rate, especially in our key markets of China, Indochina and our domestic routes within Thailand. In 2012, we worked on opening up more destinations in China and Thai AirAsia now connects Thailand to 7 Chinese destinations, with a total of 9 routes. Our strategy this year is to increase flight frequency to our most popular destinations, including Bangkok-Hong Kong to 3 flights per day (starting from 30 April 2013), Bangkok-Wuhan to 2 flights per day (starting on 3 June 2013), and Bangkok-Chongqing to 2 flights per day (available to book starting from 23 April 2013, and start operating on 1 July 2013).”

The CEO also added that in 2012, Thai AirAsia transported 1.1 million Chinese passengers to and from Thailand. In line with plans of receiving new additional Airbus A320 aircraft and continuously expanding to new destinations, AirAsia is setting a target to transport 5 million Chinese travelers within the next 5 years. To prepare for this influx of travelers, Thai AirAsia’s CEO expresses the need to provide clear signage at popular tourist attractions, while hotels should also be prepared to accommodate this growing segment.

Another vibrant market this year is Indochina, including Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia which have seen an 88% growth in the amount of passengers, year-on-year. Last but not least, Thailand’s domestic routes have also been performing well, as the airline continues to add more flight frequency and convenience for its passengers.

Thai AirAsia currently connects Bangkok to 7 destinations in China with direct flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Xi’an. Direct flights are also available between Chiang Mai -Macau and Phuket-Hong Kong.