Thai AirAsia (TAA) is deepening its footprint in India with the addition of two more routes from Bangkok.
Thailand's largest low-cost carrier will start flying to Tiruchirappalli and Jaipur from its Bangkok Don Mueang airport base on Sept 28 and 29, respectively.
The airline will offer four flights a week for each of the two new routes, launched after the TAA finally secured the traffics rights from the Indian aviation authority after much effort.
TAA chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld yesterday said the introduction of the two routes is aimed at attracting Indian shoppers to Thailand. The carrier plans to continue penetrating the Indian market for the rest of the year.
"Indian travellers rank sixth among the most frequent visitors to Thailand, where all kinds of tourist needs are served -- from shopping to night-time entertainment to hospitality and wellness retreats," he said.
Last year Thailand attracted 1.19 million Indian travellers, according to recent Department of Tourism data. For 2017, the target is 14% revenue growth and 8% rise in tourist arrivals from the Indian market.
TAA operates non-stop flights to four Indian cities -- Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi -- with 24 flights a week. The airline said it has been able to maintain a load factor averaging 80% with 80-85% of total passenger loads from India.
Mr Tassapon is confident the two new routes will stimulate tourism for both countries.
For Thai travellers, Jaipur boasts the gateway to the Taj Mahal and is home to opulent architectural treasures such as the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and Old City Market. Tiruchirappalli offers Thai travellers the opportunity to experience culture and history that has long played a pivotal role in South India as Tamil Nadu's centre for trade, industry and education.
TAA is offering promotional fares for booking to Aug 13 at 1,990 baht one way to Jaipur and 1,690 baht to Tiruchirappalli, for travel until Sept 29 and Sept 28.