Thai Smile starts flights to two Indian cities, to expand soon

New Delhi: Spreading its wings into India, Southeast Asian carrier Thai Smile Airways has commenced operations to two cities, Gaya and Varanasi, from Bangkok, while its flights to Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow are set to be rolled out by the year end.
The expansion of services into the Indian market is part of Thai Smile's ambitious growth programme to develop network and ensure international connectivity, the airline said on Monday.
The Bangkok-based Thai Smile is the regional arm of Thailand's national airline Thai Airways.
It operates to nine domestic and five international destinations from its two bases -- Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang International Airport -- with a fleet of 20 Airbus A320 planes.
The services to Gaya and Varanasi have already begun from October 1, while those to Jaipur and Ahmedabad are scheduled to be rolled out in a phased manner from November 15 and December 1, respectively.
The Bangkok-Lucknow flight services will be rolled out on December 17, the airline said in a release.
Thai Smile will carry out India operations with 166-seater A320 aircraft in two cabin-classes, offering 12 seats in premium economy and the rest 154 in economy with in-flight entertainment specially designed Indian cuisine and beverages to passengers.
"We consider these connecting flights as one of our strategic destinations in Indian region. Thai Smile Airways is undertaking an ambitious growth programme to develop network and ensure international connectivity. Moreover, we are committed to ensuring that our passengers have greater choice and opportunity to discover new destinations by flying with Thai Smile Airways," Thai Smile's acting Chief Executive Officer Woranate Laprabang said.
"The airline understands the need for passengers travelling among these five cities," he said, adding, "We continue to expand international routes and increase flight frequency to facilitate the passengers."
These flights will bridge the demand of both Indians and Thais, who have been looking for seamless connections for religion, work and leisure purpose, in Thailand, India and onward destinations, the airline said.