Brisbane keeps adding air services – and the latest, by AirAsia direct to Bangkok, promises to be one of the most price competitive from Australia to the Thai capital, with one-way fares from Brisbane to Bangkok starting at AUD 199.
AirAsia, recently named Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 11th consecutive year, is now flying between Bangkok and Brisbane. The new route marks AirAsia’s first time operating out of Brisbane Airport.
The carrier expects to carry up to 150,000 people between the two cities over the next year.
In a separate move, Qantas is also favouring Brisbane, selling tickets on nonstop flights from Brisbane to Chicago and Brisbane to San Francisco – for services it expects to operate next year once full approval of its joint business venture with American Airlines is received from the United States Department of Transportation (DoT).
Back to AirAsia X, that airline’s group chief executive Nadda Buranasiri said this week: “We are delighted to have a new home in Queensland, adding Brisbane to our Queensland ports after we commenced operating flights from the Gold Coast in 2007. This direct service between Bangkok and Brisbane strengthens our connections into Australia and adds to our extensive network of more than 140 destinations worldwide.
Air Asia X flight on Brisbane tarmac
“Australia remains a key market for AirAsia and with new aircraft on order we can continue to review potential future expansion opportunities where we witness the right levels of demand for great value, medium to long haul air travel.
“In addition to attracting visitors to Brisbane, the new route will give locals a direct link to the bustling street markets, thriving nightlife and iconic temples of Thailand’s capital city as well as the stunning islands and beaches within easy reach of Bangkok.
“We look forward to working with Brisbane Airport, the Queensland government and the local tourism industry to make these new services a success.”
AirAsia is a proud sponsor of the Brisbane Broncos and as a special surprise for guests on the first flight from Brisbane to Bangkok, members from the team were on hand to help them check in, sign autographs and take selfies.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive said the new service marked the start of “a very exciting and successful partnership with AirAsia:.
Brisbane Airport celebrates new service
“We have no doubt these direct flights, combined with AirAsia’s renowned low fares and quality product and services, will be extremely popular with travellers in both directions.”
Queensland Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development, Kate Jones, said the new service would inject up to AUD 156 million into the Queensland economy over the next three years.
“This is a great day for Queensland as we welcome yet another new inbound service to the State,” she said.
“Asia is a key market for Queensland’s tourism industry and this new service will bring more than 235,000 inbound seats to Brisbane over the next three years, providing a $156 million boost to the state’s economy and supporting 660 jobs.
“The Queensland Government supports new services through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund because we know providing travellers with direct access to the state is key to growing our tourism industry.
“Not only are we supporting a direct flight for visitors from Thailand, but this service provides an opportunity for visitors from destinations across Asia.
Note: AirAsia X operates to Brisbane out of Don Mueang Airport (DMK) rather than Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
Flight schedule for Bangkok, Thailand (DMK) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE)
Edited by Peter Needham
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