Thailand welcomes Valuair's new low cost flights from Singapore

Thailand is to welcome a new budget carrier, Valuair, on its  inaugural flight from Singapore (VF302), which will arrive at Bangkok International Airport on May 5, 2004, at 15.10 hrs.

The airline will operate two daily scheduled return flights between Singapore and Bangkok.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn said, “Bangkok is among the first three Asian cities that Valuair has chosen to fly to. This will go a long way towards boosting seat capacity and travel within the region.”

Valuair is the first Singapore-based budget airline to operate scheduled services around Asia. Others like AirAsia operate out of Malaysia. Valuair will also be flying to Hong Kong and Jakarta from May 2004, utilising two new Airbus 320s leased from Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE).

A return trip fare between Singapore - Bangkok is US$ 138 or 3,400 baht. Like other low-cost airlines, a range of other flexible fares are being offered, subject to the normal terms and conditions related to booking periods.

Unlike other low-cost airlines however, meals will be served on board and all passengers will be assigned seats.

Founded by Chairman and Acting CEO Mr. Lim Chin Beng, a former Chairman of Singapore Airlines, Valuair is targetting destinations around Asia within a five-hour flying radius of Singapore.

Mrs Phornsiri noted that aviation linkages between Singapore and Thailand are growing strongly. As of April 2004, thirteen scheduled airlines including AirAsia are operating a total of 226 direct flights between the two countries.

Of these, 155 weekly flights are operating Singapore-Bangkok, 54 weekly flights Singapore-Phuket, seven Singapore-Samui, five Singapore-Chiang Mai, five Singapore-Krabi, four between Singapore-Phuket-Bangkok, and three between Singapore-Hat Yai-Bangkok.

“It is a pleasure to have another airline providing quality services between Thailand and the region,” added Mrs. Phornsiri.