THAI Lion Air is launching services from Hat Yai to new destinations in Thailand and overseas using an ATR 72-600, the first ATR to join the airline’s fleet and the first -600 model ATR to descend in the kingdom.
The -600 is ATR’s newest model of aircraft, boasting a new avionics system as well as an improved passenger cabin with lighter, more ergonomic seats and benefiting passengers with carry-on luggage with restyled, larger overhead bins.
“Having the ATR allows us to operate to smaller cities and towns in Thailand and develop a more comprehensive domestic network. In some instances we will be pioneering new routes,” says Andi Burhan, executive managing director of Thai Lion Air.
The airline’s first ATR will be stationed in Hat Yai to provide a five-times-weekly service (except Tuesdays and Saturdays) to Hua Hin and a three-times weekly-service (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) to Surat Thani, both starting March 21.
A twice-weekly service (Fridays and Sundays) from Hat Yai to Medan, Indonesia starts April 6 while a four-times-weekly service (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) from Hat Yai to Subang Kuala Lumpur starts March 21.
Thai Lion is the first to offer scheduled non-stop services from Hat Yai to Hua Hin and Surat Thani.
“We chose Hat Yai to be our second hub, because it is a gateway into southern Thailand and we know that many people want to travel to southern Thailand for business and leisure. There are a lot of popular holiday destinations in southern Thailand,” explained Burhan.
“We will also be encouraging Thais to explore neighbouring countries, namely Indonesia and Malaysia.”
Tickets for the new services have gone on sale since March 1. Promotional one-way fare from Hat Yai to Hua Hin is 1,000 baht (US$31); to Surat Thani, 700 baht; to Subang, 1,000 baht; and to Medan, 1,000 baht.
