AirAsia Targets Phuket As Regional Hub

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Posted: 25 Aug 2009 | 9:43 am

Reports are in that low cost airline Thai AirAsia will use PIA (Phuket International Airport) as a regional hub before the end of the year. Destinations in the works include Hong Kong, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City and domestically Chiang Mai.

Currently other hubs the airline utilizes are Singapore and Bangkok so Phuket will be added into the growth strategy, which is targeting huge growth in regional travel despite a slowdown globally on long haul business.

This news comes during a recent feeding frenzy of new international flights by Virgin Blue's V Australia and the return of Jetstar service from Singapore. Airline seat capacity is on the rise so most hotels are hoping this will translate into increased demand for the destination though having the flights in place is half the battle in getting market recovery back on track.

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