Philippines AirAsia adds capital connection

Philippines AirAsia launched a new link between Manila (MNL) and Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) on 22 April. The 2,200-kilometre connection will link the capital cities of the Philippines and Thailand with daily flights operated by A320s. There is no direct competition, but schedules show that multiple carriers (including Philippine Airlines and Thai Airways) will operate a combined 46 weekly flights from Manila to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi during the week commencing 24 April. “AirAsia is a product of Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and we are so proud to be part of this region we call home,” said Dexter Comendador, CEO Philippines AirAsia.

“We are the only airline that carries “I love Asean” painted on our aircraft including the ASEAN logo. AirAsia loves Asean is a commitment to help bridge communities and economies as we move toward even greater integration and mutual understanding.” Kajorndet Apichartrakul, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “We want to bring people across the Asean region closer together and further expand our Asean footprint to serve more and more communities. We have 100% load for this inaugural flight and we hope to do more inter-Asean routes to serve every Filipino traveller’s needs and enable them to connect, do business and build socio-economic ties with neighbouring economies.”