It seems like a case of the worst possible timing: launching a new airline in the middle of a global recession. Yet Happy Air is set to launch in October, with daily flights between Phuket and Hat Yai; and four-times weekly flights between Phuket and the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi.
The airline promises a "premium" service, including complimentary champagne and "gourmet sandwiches" in flight, using 34-seat Saab 340A twin turbo-prop aircraft. The web site doesn’t yet take reservations, but expect to pay around 2,500 Baht one-way to Hat Yai, and 4,500 Baht to Langkawi.