Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, pointed out that after launching U-Tapao Airport as AirAsia's fifth flight hub connecting the eastern region to the rest of Thailand and international destinations, the airline has noted a strong positive response. Its confidence is further strengthened by U-Tapao Airport's clear development plan as well as support from Pattaya City and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, combining to assure AirAsia that U-Tapao will continue to grow.
"We are proud to have to started and to be a part of U-Tapao Airport's burgeoning vibrancy and ability to welcome commercial air travel. We have stationed 2 Airbus A320 airplanes at U-Tapao Airport, which serve a total 8 routes; to the already operational destinations of Kuala Lumpur, Nanning and Nanchang, to Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Singapore and Macau, starting today 27 November and to Hat Yai starting this 3 December" Mr. Tassapon explained.
Rear Admiral Worapol Tongpricha, Director of U-Tapao Airport, affirmed the airport is fully ready to receive commercial air travel, especially flights by AirAsia Group, which is currently the main user of the airport's Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is still undergoing construction to be completed in 2016 and will add the capacity to handle 1,500 more passengers in each period, allowing the airport to accommodate more travelers a year, in step with AirAsia's expansion plans with room to welcome further commercial airlines.
"To accommodate passengers both Thai and foreign, the airport has made sure to be as friendly as possible with signs displaying English and Mandarin and a variety of public transport options. We are sure that all passengers will receive the utmost convenience while at U-Tapao Airport" Rear Adm. Worapol stated.
Presently, AirAsia operates 8 flights from U-Tapao Airport; to Kuala Lumpur 4 times weekly, Nanning 3 times weekly, Nanchang 4 times weekly, Singapore 7 times weekly, Macau 7 times weekly, Chiang Mai 10 times weekly, Udon Thani 7 times weekly and Hat Yai 4 times weekly, all together reaching a total of 46 flights a week. The airline has stationed 2 planes permanently at the airport.
Passengers traveling to U-Tapao Airport are further offered convenience with AirAsia's City Transfer service, which provides shuttle connections to 3 locations; Pattaya (Central Festival), Rayong (Fashion Mall by Laemthong, Rayong) and Koh Samed. Passengers can book their City Transfer at the same time as their air ticket by choosing their desired origin and destination. For details on the flight schedule and promotions, visitwww.airasia.com.
To celebrate the official launch of U-Tapao Airport, AirAsia has organized a field trip for 60 youths from Chiang Mai and Udon Thani, giving them their first ever flight experience with a direct trip to U-Tapao Airport as well as a tour of the HTMS Chakri Naruebet. The experience is sure to be a memorable extra-curricular activity for the students.