That Pattaya-Siem Reap air service rumor

[nkped 1,208]

This seems to be the source http://www.airhanuman.com/.

[jimmac 66]

They will start in October but you can't yet book. I'll remain a skeptic until we get a report on the board from some-one who has actually flown them.

 

Skal as a partner also makes me skeptical. Skal is a 'professional association' of travel people who get together for a monthly piss up. Its not an investment group.

[teelack 9,640]

Looking at the list of participating companies still seems to make this a serious venture. If the only thing that happens is to force Thai and Bangkok to lower their prices then it will have been a good thing.

[nkped 1,208]

Looking at the list of participating companies still seems to make this a serious venture. If the only thing that happens is to force Thai and Bangkok to lower their prices then it will have been a good thing.

I'm sceptical. Still given that Bangkok Air operates out of Utapao already, it would be interesting.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Looking at the list of participating companies still seems to make this a serious venture.

 

It would be even more serious if they had any anything more than a website.

 

I think it's more likely that Cambodia Angkor Air is a more credible candidate/competitor - backed by Vietnam Airlines and the Cambodian government. If nothing else, at least they have little things like aeroplanes (from Vietnam Airways) and crew. Likewise, the benefits of flying to UTP as a primary destination, rather than BKK, aren't immediately obvious. I wouldn't be surprised to see a bit of code sharing between Angkor and Bangkok Airways on the route at some point.

 

 

 

If the only thing that happens is to force Thai and Bangkok to lower their prices then it will have been a good thing.

 

I don't think it's a straightforward as that (ignoring the fact that Thai doesn't fly to Siem Reap). Bangkok Airways is the outfit that has taken the (considerable) risk to invest in the likes of Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Sukhothai, Samui and Trat when no-one else wanted to know. I think it's only right that they have enjoyed some protection to get a return on their initial investment.

Edited September 14, 2012 by CheshireTom

[bigdelta 46]

Adding another carrier between Bangkok and PNH would be good.Maybe Thai and Bangkok Airways will evenyually get the idea their fares are absurdly high.Plus Air Asia could use competition on that route.I wonder which direction Cambodia Ankor Air will choose fare-wise.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Adding another carrier between Bangkok and PNH would be good.Maybe Thai and Bangkok Airways will evenyually get the idea their fares are absurdly high.Plus Air Asia could use competition on that route.I wonder which direction Cambodia Ankor Air will choose fare-wise.

 

They're not much different from Bangkok Airways. Bangkok generally does Siem Reap at 11k Baht return from BKK, Angkor does Siem Reap from Saigon for 10k Baht. They're not a low-cost airline as such. FWIW, Thai Smile has already announced it will do Phnom Penh as one of its first international routes.

Edited September 15, 2012 by CheshireTom

[teelack 9,640]

Anyway, bottom line for me will be the actual prices. I am happy to fly into and out of PP with Air Asia and unless there is something better I am happy to keep on using them. I have not yet considered a flight to Cambodia without going to PP for a few days as its a good destination.

[bigdelta 46]

Good news then about Thai Smile.Thanks.

 

They're not much different from Bangkok Airways. Bangkok generally does Siem Reap at 11k Baht return from BKK, Angkor does Siem Reap from Saigon for 10k Baht. They're not a low-cost airline as such. FWIW, Thai Smile has already announced it will do Phnom Penh as one of its first international routes.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Good news then about Thai Smile.Thanks.

 

I think you have to bear in mind how ASEAN is going to affect tourism in the region. If a joint visa is agreed, even amongst a few neighbouring countries, it will open up travel opportunities that were perhaps a bit more difficult to undertake in the past. I had a look at going to Mandalay in November when Thai AirAsia starts the route but finding a hotel was an absolute nightmare - now the building of new hotels will pretty much detract from the attraction of the place. Catch 22.

 

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[/media] Edited September 15, 2012 by CheshireTom