Bangkok (2011-01-27)

THAI AirAsia has just launched its Chiang Mai hub, the third in the country, with new daily direct flights to Singapore and Hat Yai starting January 24.

The maiden Chiang Mai-Hat Yai flight recorded a full load factor, while the inaugural Chiang Mai-Singapore flight saw more than 80 per cent of seats occupied.

Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld said the introduction of the Chiang Mai-Singapore route would allow travellers from Singapore to reach Chiang Mai in two hours and 50 minutes without the hassle of having to transit in Bangkok.

SilkAir also operates on the Chiang Mai-Singapore route with four flights per week.

Thai AirAsia’s two new routes come a month after it launched a four-weekly service between Bali and Phuket (its second hub in Thailand) in mid-December last year. Its main hub in the country is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Meanwhile, the Thai LCC has taken delivery of its 20th Airbus A320 this week. It also plans to launch a Bangkok-Hangzhou service next month.