Air Asia announces low cost flights between Colombo and Bangkok

Wednesday, 7 March 2012 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Joshua Nicholas

Air Asia last week announced the introduction of daily low-cost flights between Colombo and Bangkok as of 1 March 2012.

The inaugural Air Asia flight from Bangkok to Colombo touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport at 8:35 a.m. on 1 March. The VIPs on board included Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand General Shantha Kottegoda and Thai Air Asia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld.

“We feel at home when we come here,” said Bijleveld. “We are very excited to open up a world of opportunities for people to shop, sightsee and experience all the flavours that Thailand has to offer, at a very affordable price.”

Bijleveld also cited Sri Lanka’s temples, beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites, stating there was great demand for travel between the two cities. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand General Shantha Kottegoda and Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld shaking hands at the launch of AirAsia Colombo-Bangkok flights in the presence of Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka Poldej Worachat and Director for TAT Mumbai Setthapan Buddhani

As of 1 March, customers will be able to take advantage online, of fares to Bangkok starting from Rs. 6,990 (inclusive of tax and fees). The flights will operate daily, departing Colombo at 9:35 a.m., and departing Bangkok at 6:25 a.m. (local times).

Air Asia is Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, and was named Skytrax World’s best low cost airline in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The 10-year-old airline has carried over 100 million guests and has a fleet of approximately 106 aircraft.

Thai Air Asia, a local offshoot of Air Asia, launched in 2004 and has carried over 30 million passengers to date. Thai Air Asia’s fleet is the youngest in the region and features 24 Airbus A320s.

Through Bangkok, Thai Air Asia customers can connect to flights to 12 domestic destinations, including: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakohon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Surat Thani, Nakhon Phanom and Trang; as well as 16 international destinations, including: Chennai, Chongqing, Kolkata, Yangon, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong and now Colombo.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.