MAN - BKK Non-stop

[BongoBill9999 0]

A while ago I read that Thai were considering starting non stop flights

from Manchester to BKK. I for one am always willing to get over the

pain in on one 11 or 12 hour trip rather than take a break of whatever

length half way there.

 

Anyone know of any progress on this? Tom maybe? (I know you would

have a vested interest in this!)

 

Bill

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Bill,

 

Thai are expected in Manchester sometime in 2006 or early 2007. They, themselves confirmed that they are planning Manchester as a new destination in their Investors Presentation made in May of this year.

 

That's the only facts as they are publicly known at the moment. The unanswered question everyone is asking is whether the flights will be non-stop or direct via a third country. There are various rumours which really won't be answered until fifth-freedom rights (the right to pick up pax from a third country) are cleared through the CAA. There have been various mutterings that the route will be via Moscow but I would have to worry about the sense in that considering that you have better timings, and good prices, available with Swiss, KLM/China Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Singapore etc etc.

 

Whatever transpires it will take a lot to move me from Qatar who look after me very well and their product suits my preferences and my pocket. If I was to revert to travelling economy again then the timings, service, and facilities offered by Singapore on their 777 service takes some beating. That said, Thai are due to commence taking delivery of their own 772ER next year so we may strike lucky if they push one in our direction. The aircraft has the ideal pax capacity and range to make a non-stop service a viable proposition.

 

I'm sorry if most of it appears to be conjecture and rumour but unfortunately that's how things stand at the moment. If I hear anything definite I'll post it here.

 

Tom

[BongoBill9999 0]

Tom,

 

Thanks for all that. I will wait and see but meantime fully agree that

Qatar are hard to beat from MAN. It is my current favourite for price,

timing and service (although DOH is the pits)! Plus the odd upgrade!

One more trip (in Sept) and I have enough Qmiles for a freebie!

 

Tks again

 

Bill