Thai AirAsia (FD, Bangkok Don Mueang) would use a proposed new base in the Thai coastal resort town of Utapao to serve destinations throughout Thailand as well as China the Bangkok Post has reported. According to the paper, the AirAsia (AK, Kuala Lumpur International) subsidiary has already set the ball in motion with a possible launch date of either September or October of this year.
"We already have a strong base in China [with flights between Thailand and several Chinese cities], and they like coming to Pattaya for holidays, so it makes sense for Thai AirAsia to set up an air link at U-tapao," Thai AirAsia commercial director, Santisuk Klongchaiya, said. "These Chinese also want to visit other Thai destinations, thus providing opportunities for us to connect U-tapao domestically with other Thai destinations that Thai AirAsia is serving."
As of April, local rival Kan Air (KND, Chiang Mai) has already based two ATR72-500s at the airfield, located 90 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, to serve Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Bangkok Don Mueang.
