AirAsia Will Move To Don Mueang On Oct 1

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AirAsia Will Move To Don Mueang On Oct 1

BANGKOK: -- AirAsia will move its flight operations from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang Airport by Oct 1, hoping that the old Bangkok airport will well serve its plan to expand fleet to 48.

Today, Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, joined officials at the Airports of Thailand - which operates both airports, in affirming the readiness for the relocation.

He noted that AirAsia's decision to return to Don Mueang Airport was carefully assessed as he noted that the capabilities of Don Mueang Airport are in line with AirAsia's own growth plan. Thorough consideration into transferring to Don Mueang Airport found that the airport's capabilities, coupled with the Airports of Thailand Company's assistance measures, meant AirAsia could better manage its cost more effectively and provide passengers with improved service.

"The uncongested Don Mueang Airport is sure to prove a benefit to AirAsia when it boosts its fleet of Airbus A320s to a total of 48 and welcomes more customers. The airport's location also makes it conducive to further travel. Prospective travelers should have confidence in what Don Mueang has to offer," Tassapon said.

Earlier, he said that the relocation should save the airline by nearly Bt1 million in daily fuel cost, as congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport requires airlines to circle above the airport for 10 minutes or more particularly when Suvarnabhumi Airport’s East Runway is closed for maintenance.

The government recently decided to reopen Don Mueang Airport for low-cost airlines to ease congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is expected to welcome nearly 50 million passengers this year despite its 45 million capacity.

According to Tassapon, AirAsia expects all of its services to be based at Don Mueang Airport from Oct 1 onward. The airline's flights will retain their FD code and original schedules. Passengers who are affected by the switch to Don Mueang Airport, may alter their flights by either choosing another travel date on the same route either 7 days before or after their original travel date, at no additional cost. Passengers also have an option to convert the paid flight into credit shell available to be used within the next 90 days. The change options are only available to affected passengers who purchased their tickets before 26 June 2012 whose travel dates are from October 1 onwards.

The Nation 2012-06-25