Chiang Mai, February 28th, 2019 (Today) - Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, led by Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, Vice President - Sales and Ms. Pakkanan Winijchai Director - Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office) organized the press conference of “Bangkok Airways new direct flight from Chiang Mai-Krabi and Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (Laos)” at Time Riverfront Cuisine & Bar, Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort in Chiang Mai. The press conference was also attended by Mrs.Chanthip Thongkanya, Bangkok Airways’ Vice President - Office of President.

Mr.Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, Vice President - Sales said “Our Upcoming Chiang Mai - Krabi and Chiang Mai - Luang prabang (Laos) services are considered as one of our strategic movements in terms of network expansion to cover CLMV countries which are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam by using Chiang Mai as our flying hub. Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, and is becoming one of the must-visit destinations for travelers from around the world. The number of travelers has increased continually every year. I believe that the extra benefit of having these direct flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi and to Luang Prabang (Laos) will help facilitate and shorten our passenger' journey without making a stop or transit in Bangkok . Bangkok Airways has been utilizing Chiang Mai as one of our strategic hubs to connect with other destinations in both Thailand and overseas such as Chiang Mai-Bangkok, Chiang Mai - Samui, Chiang Mai - Phuket, Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai - Yangon (Myanmar), Chiang Mai - Mandalay (Myanmar) and Chiang Mai - Hanoi (Vietnam) and the 2 new routes Chiang Mai to Krabi and Luang Prabang (Laos) to be added on 31st March 2019. We are confident that these new routes will be well-received by traveler”.

“Moreover, having a link to this beautiful beach destination will make it easier for our passengers, local people and people from nearby provinces to connect their journey and also helps promote cross-region tourism as well. For Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang (Laos) is an extra added Bangkok Airways' route network to cover CLMV countries. We foresee that this UNESCO city “ Luang Prabang“ will get a positive feedback as the city is always on top of mind for both foreigner and Thai travelers who enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere and richness of local culture .” added Mr. Varong

Ms. Pakkanan Winijchai Director - Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office) commented “In 2018, number of tourist arrivals to Chiang Mai is 10,844,753 visitors; 30.1 percent of which is international travelers visiting Northern Thailand at 3,252,954 visitors. China is top tourism market for Chiang Mai followed by USA, Japan, England and France respectively. TAT expected to see 5 percent growth in tourist arrivals to Chiang Mai following the launch of Bangkok Airways’ two new routes. We foresee 11 percent growth from China, 10 percent from ASEAN countries and 2 percent from Europe”.

“By introducing the new launch of Chiang Mai - Krabi and Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang (Laos) routes, I believe it will boost existing travel demand and enhance ease of travel for travelers. It will also appeal to new potential travelers in Luang Prabang and surrounding areas. Moreover, Bangkok Airways’ use of Chiang Mai as aviation hub connecting top-tier and second-tier cities in Thailand will generate tremendous flow of tourism expenditure within the country”, Ms.Pakkanan added.

Chiang Mai - Krabi (One-way) service will be operated three flights weekly at the start (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday) during 31 March - 29 April 2019 and will be adjusted to a daily flight from 30 April 2019 onwards.The airline will use a 144-seater Airbus A319 aircraft to service this route. The outbound flight PG246 will depart Chiang Mai International Airport at 12.00hrs and arrive Krabi International Airport at 13.55hrs.

Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang (Laos) (Round-Trip) route will be operated with three flights weekly (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) with a 70-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft. The outbound flight PG983 will depart Chiang Mai International Airport at 16.30hrs and arrive Luang Prabang International Airport at 17.45hrs. The inbound flight PG984 will depart Luang Prabang International Airport 18.30hrs and arrive Chiang Mai International Airport at 19.45hrs. This service will start from 2 April 2019 onwards.

For more information and reservations, please contact Bangkok Airways’ Call Center at 1771 (24 hrs) or simply visit www.bangkokair.com.