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U-Tapao to Add New Flights this November
1st Nov 2012
Low-cost carrier Solar Air will open two new air links between U-Tapao International Airport and Chumphon (southern Thailand) and Siem Reap in Cambodia, starting November 9.
The announcement was made on October 26 during the press conference attended by the Lord Mayor of Pattaya and Solar Air's CEO, Capt. Jirathit Ongaree. Other important officials who attended the event were Rayong province's Amphur Baan Chang, Vice Admiral Suraphong Aisanon, consultant of the administrative chairman of U-Taphao airport and Rear Admiral Saknarin Charoensuk, the director of U-Taphao International airport. Also in attendance was Mr. Prapatara Lekkhean, managing director of Max Royal Tour Co., Ltd.
The new routes will operate four days a week using Dornia 228 aircraft which seats 18 passengers. The planes, though small, are said to be very convenient and offer high safety standard.
The particular routes are the initiative between Solar Air and Max Royal Tour Co., Ltd. which aims to boost more the tourism potential of Pattaya, which is already Thailand's most popular beach destination. Max Royal Tour specializes primarily in the promotion of Pattaya as a tourism mecca in the region.
According to Mr. Jirathit Ongaree, currently the budget carrier mainly serves the northern and southern regions of Thailand. With its partnership with Max Royal Tours, it would be easy for Solar Air to expand to the eastern regions of the country.
The new routes will help Pattaya expand its tourism potential by offering tourists an alternative gateway through U-Tapao International Airport, located a mere 45-minute drive due southeast.
Currently, Solar Air offers an average of 300 flights a month from its Bangkok hub to Chumphon, Koh Kood and Phrae. The number of flights per month will substantially increase with the two additional routes from U-Tapao Airport which will commence on November 9.
According to the Lord Mayor, Mr. Itthiphol Khunpleum, tourism is a very important industry in Pattaya, being one of the country's most popular destinations. The influx of tourists and investors to the city has contributed significantly to the local economy of the Pattaya.
Solar Air couldn't find a better partnership besides Max Royal Tours whose main job is making Pattaya the center of Thailand's tourism industry which is central to its local economy for years. The new routes offer tourists a more convenient way to get to Pattaya as the airport is just 30 kilometers away from the city center.
Foreign and local travelers to Pattaya will now find it more convenient than having to pass through Bangkok which is 140 kilometers to the north. Conversely, outbound travelers can now bypass crowded Bangkok and exit through U-Tapao International Airport instead.
The twin direct service is part of Solar Air's expansion plans in its preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community which takes effect by 2015. By then, seamless travel among ASEAN-member countries will result to increased passenger traffic across the region.
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