Thailand Expands Air Travel with New Routes from Kazakhstan and Malaysia
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport recently celebrated the launch of new air services by SCAT Airlines and AirAsia, enhancing connectivity to the region. SCAT Airlines has initiated a charter service from Almaty, Kazakhstan, while AirAsia has commenced a regular route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The inaugural flights, SCAT Airlines’ Flight VSV5357 and AirAsia’s Flight AK840, landed at U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport on the morning of June 17, 2024.
A welcoming committee, including executives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, TAT, and the airport, greeted passengers and crew upon arrival. This event underscores the collaborative efforts between TAT and the airport to attract international flights from strategic tourist markets such as India, Vietnam, China, Russia, and Kazakhstan, by offering incentives on landing and parking fees.
Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, highlighted the successful implementation of TAT’s ‘Airline Focus’ strategy. This strategy facilitated the new charter service in partnership with KOMPAS and SCAT Airlines.
SCAT Airlines will operate a charter flight approximately every 7 to 10 days from June 2024 to March 2025, utilizing their 213-seat Boeing 797 Max-9 aircraft. This service marks their second charter route between Kazakhstan and Thailand, following the Almaty-Surat Thani flight.
| Airline | Flight Number | Origin | Frequency | Period | Aircraft | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCAT Airlines | VSV5357 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Every 7 to 10 days | June 2024 to March 2025 | Boeing 797 Max-9 | 213 seats |
AirAsia will operate three weekly flights using their Airbus A320 aircraft. The launch was marked by a familiarization trip for Malaysian travel agents and media to promote the new route.
| Airline | Flight Number | Origin | Frequency | Period | Aircraft | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirAsia | AK840 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Three times a week | Ongoing | Airbus A320 | 189 seats |
Mr. Siripakorn expressed confidence in the new services reinforcing the ‘Amazing Thailand’ brand and Thailand’s appeal as a premier global tourist destination. These services are expected to significantly boost tourist traffic to Thailand’s eastern coast, where Pattaya is a prime attraction alongside other notable destinations such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
Statistics reveal a strong interest from Kazakhstan, with 95,789 visitors recorded from January to April 2024, a 19.39% increase year-on-year. Kazakhstan tourists currently enjoy a 30-day visa exemption, with a 60-day visa-free entry policy anticipated to be implemented soon. Meanwhile, Malaysian visitors to Thailand totaled 1,569,856 from January to April 2024, reflecting sustained tourism relations.
SOURCE: TATNews
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