Stories tagged with firefly
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Bangkok Airways Holds Back on Plans to Expand Direct Flights
Reflecting the current downturn in regional air travel, Bangkok Airways has decided to put a hold on its plans to add direct flights between Koh Samui and various domestic and international destinations. Higher fuel prices were cited as the main reason for the delay in opening the new routes.
The initial plan of the carrier was to begin running direct links between Koh Samui and the Thai domestic cities of Hua Hin and Trat, both popular seaside travel spots. The airline was also planning to open new direct flights between Samui and Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Macau within two years.
Bangkok Airways vice-president Komkrich Sriyabhandha stated “within this year we should have a fairer idea on the trend of fuel prices and make decisions [on new routes] accordingly.” Komrich added that passenger traffic through Koh Samui was expected to remain sluggish but shouldn’t drop below last year’s level of 1.35 million passengers.
A recent expansion of its private airport on Samui means the island can now handle around 6 million passengers per year. The carrier plans to increase its services in August to 34 flights per day for the upcoming high-season on Koh Samui.
Malaysia Airline’s budget carrier, Firefly, announced it would add four flights per week to its popular Subang-Samui route as of October 26 in response to traveler demand. The low-cost regional carrier currently operates four flights per week between Penang and Samui.
Posted by: Andrew on 31 Jul 2008, 05:07