Bangkok Airways is focused on achieving full recovery, being more sustainable, as well as bettering its airport operations, for the year.
Bangkok Airways’ director – key account and ancillary product, Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, told TTG Asia at ITB Berlin: “Our target this year is to fly 4.4 million passengers, up from 3.6 million last year. This translates to 16 billion baht (US$452.7 million) in revenue this year – last year we did 14.8 billion baht.”
To hit that target, frequencies in the current network have to be restored, with at least 50,000 flights to take to the skies this year. However, the airline will not be exploring new destinations beyond its current network this year.
“We recently restored our Koh Samui-Chengdu and Koh Samui-Chongqing flights, and will be doing some marketing in China. The China market has been quite slow to recovery, and currently, Europe is our number one source market,” Komkrit said.
When asked what the airline’s biggest hurdle was at the moment, Komkrit said: “The biggest challenge we have at the moment is the move to net zero, as this comes at a cost. We are moving towards SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), but this is more expensive than regular fuel. We are trying to find the right balance, and sell it at a price that customers can accept.”
Bangkok Airways’ other carbon-neutral efforts include upcycling used staff uniforms into tote bags and aprons for airport lounge staff. The airline has also implanted technology to reduce fuel consumption, as well as several technical procedures, such as using one engine to taxi instead of two, which “has already helped us save a fair bit”, he shared.
Aside from increasing passenger count, Komkrit indicated that Bangkok Airways will also ensure better and smoother operations, including ground and catering services, at its three airports – Koh Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat.
“We are developing and investing the airports so that they will be key hubs for visitors into Thailand in the next five to 10 years. To do that, we are working to fly more planes, (and attract more airlines) to land at those airports. We are also on the lookout for partners to work with to further develop (other airport-related) services,” he stated.
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in early 2025.
The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection is expected to have 820 guestrooms and is part of a 28-story mixed-use development with retail outlets on the ground and first floors. Other facilities comprise an executive lounge, three dining venues and over 1,700m² of event spaces as well as recreational facilities. Guestrooms will boast views of Victoria Harbour, Victoria Park, or the city.
The new hotel will be located on Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay, home to Victoria Park, Hong Kong Island’s largest public park. The hotel will be within a five-minute walk to Causeway Bay Metro Station and within 10 minutes’ walk to major corporate venues such as the Lee Garden and World Trade Center. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and Hong Kong’s key business district, Central, are only a five-minute drive from the property, and Hong Kong International Airport is a 35-minute drive away.
Marriott International currently operates 13 hotels in Hong Kong spanning cross 10 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, Renaissance, Courtyard, and Four Points by Sheraton.