BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has met with Thai Vietjet executives to discuss expanding the airline’s fleet and international routes, aiming to boost local tourism and advance the Sky Connect project. During the meeting, which marked the airline’s 10th anniversary, the company announced plans to increase its fleet to 25 aircraft by the end of this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 50 planes within two years. This expansion will support new flight routes targeting travelers from China, Vietnam, Japan, Russia, and Kazakhstan.
To further develop the regional aviation sector, the Ministry of Transport proposed studying a direct flight route connecting Medan, Indonesia, with southern Thailand. This initiative seeks to establish Hat Yai district as a medical tourism hub for international patients. The ministry also backed a code-share agreement between Thai Vietjet and Ezy Airlines to operate the Hat Yai-Betong and Hat Yai-Phuket routes.
Additionally, the government is accelerating the Sky Connect project, which allows passengers in secondary cities to check their baggage directly through to international destinations. The service is currently available at Udon Thani Airport for flights to Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with plans to expand to Khon Kaen and Hat Yai. Officials stated that these aviation initiatives will help distribute tourism revenue to local communities and promote regional products, such as Songkhla Lake shrimp, to stimulate the local economy. (NNT)
