"As a result, the fuel surcharge for international routes will go up from the current average of Bt600 to Bt700-Bt750 depending on distance," CEO Tassapon Bijleleld said yesterday.

The domestic fuel surcharge of Bt400 will stay the same.

The low-cost carrier will also inaugurate on June 1 its newest international route from Bangkok to Shenzhen in China with a daily service.

To promote its 10th foreign destination, the airline is offering a special fare of Bt88 at its Amazing Travel Deal taking place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre until Sunday.

Shenzhen is one of China's most important cities for commerce and trading and is located near Hong Kong, Tassapon said.

The airline hopes the Shenzhen service, as well as the Bangkok-Kunming route opening in the fourth quarter, will tap into the growing tourism business in southern China and also encourage more Chinese to visit Thailand.

Next month the airline will increase flights between Bangkok and Hanoi.

With the delivery of four new aircraft this year, the airline projects serving 4.2 million passengers, up from 3 million last year.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation