ETIHAD AIRWAYS AND BANGKOK AIRWAYS ANNOUNCE CODESHARE AGREEMENT

Providing passengers with greater access to destinations in Thailand Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has teamed up with Bangkok Airways, a leading regional airline in Asia known as ASIA”S BOUTIQUE AIRLINE, in a new codeshare agreement that is set to fly passengers between the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s expanding global network and the popular Thai destinations of Phuket and Koh Samui. Under the deal, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on Bangkok Airways’ flights between the Thai capital city and these popular islands. The announcement is part of Etihad’s plan to extend further its global network and brings to twelve the number of codeshare agreements now operated by the airline. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Asia is an important market for Etihad and there is huge demand amongst our customers to travel beyond the Thai capital, which this new codeshare agreement now allows. We are expecting the new services to be extremely popular, particularly with leisure travellers looking for a luxury beach break on two of Asia’s most beautiful islands.” Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the President of Bangkok Airways, said: “Koh Samui and Phuket are regarded as our favorite destinations for visitors worldwide. To cooperate with Etihad, as one of the leading and fastest-growing airlines in the world, not only increases access for passengers who would love to explore the beauty of these famous destinations, but also help promote and accelerate tourism industry in Thailand. We strongly believe this new cooperation will be very successful.” Continued Captain Puttipong: “With a steady increase in tourist arrivals over the years from the Middle Eastern countries, we hope to tap into this partnership to further increase the passenger numbers from that region, not only to Thailand but to our destinations beyond. As one of Thailand’s leading airlines, we would like to welcome all visitors to our country” Since launching services to the Thai capital in April 2004, Bangkok has quickly established itself as one of Etihad’s most popular business and leisure travel destinations, with average seat factors last year exceeding 80 per cent. The Abu Dhabi-based airline currently operates a double daily service to the capital city. The codeshare services operate from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok and further on to Koh Samui with double daily flights while service to Phuket operates on daily flight. About Bangkok Airways Bangkok Airways Co. Ltd.; a regional airline based in Bangkok, Thailand; has established its position as ASIA’S BOUTIQUE AIRLINE, offering the best personalized service to exotic and cultural destinations. The company operates scheduled services to more than 20 destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Maldives, Burma, Singapore and Vietnam. Its main operation base is Suvarnabhumi Airport, with privately own airports in Koh Samui, Sukhothai Province and Trat Province. About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 50 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: Tel: 02 253 0099 or visit www.etihadmediacentre.com For more information on Bangkok Airways, please contact: Corporate Communications Department, Media Relations Tel: 02 265 5678 Fax: 02 265 5665 E-mail: media@bangkokair.com For more information on Etihad Airways, please contact: Parisa Chayakula/Maetavarin Maneekulpan Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd Tel. 02 260 5820 Fax 02 260 5847 – 8 E-mail: samui@tqpr.com, mae@tqpr.com

• ข่าวBangkok Airways
• ข่าวEtihad Airways
• ข่าวo:trav
• ข่าวo:eco
• ข่าวen