Channel NewsAsia and others are reporting that Thai Airways and Tiger Airways have signed an agreement to form a new low cost carrier to be called Thai Tiger Airways. The new carrier will be based in Bangkok and copy Tiger’s model of using an all-A320 fleet. See my review of Tiger Airways for more information about what to expect. Operations are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2011.
This no doubt signals a final break between Thai and the struggling Nok Air, as well as a closer relationship with Singapore Airlines, which is a shareholder in Tiger.
Indonesian airlines have had a rough time over the last few years. There have been crashes and accusations of lax maintenance. This all culminated in the EU issuing a ban on all Indonesian airlines preventing them from flying to Europe (even though none of them did at the time). This drove a few airlines out of business or into mergers with larger rivals.
Those that were left had to clean up their act. The national carrier Garuda received international certification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in mid-2008. The certification, called the International Operational Audit (IOSA), demonstrates that the airline has passed a thorough check on the quality and integrity of its maintenance and safety procedures.
Now comes word from Bali Discover that a second Indonesian carrier, Mandala, has also passed the certification. The news is especially significant since privately owned Mandala isn’t even a member of IATA. I haven’t had a chance to fly Mandala yet. I’m hoping to have the opportunity soon.
Although I’ve visited Vientiane three or four times now, this is my first time using the airport. I usually fly into Udorn Thani in Thailand and then cross the Friendship Bridge. But now I’m flying from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines.
Vientiane has a nice shiny new terminal building, but although it appears to be greatly under-utilized, it’s only used for international flights. Domestic flights still use the old terminal building. The first impression of the domestic terminal is of a very UN-charming place. In fact, I was reminded of a provincial bus station rather than a modern airline terminal. There are precious few facilities, so it’s a good thing our flight is not delayed [too much].
Luang Prabang’s tiny airport isn’t much better, but at least there’s no nicer-looking new terminal taunting you (not yet, anyway, there are signs of new construction getting started). Since more international western travelers are likely to use the gateway to this world heritage site, I’ve added a new guide to Luang Prabang Airport.
