AirAsia links KL and Krabi

Kathleen Tan, executive vice president of the airline's Commercial Department, said AirAsia would be the first international airline to fly the route. It currently flies three daily services between Bangkok and Krabi.

The new service will use Airbus aircraft and target international tourists as well as Malaysians.

Introductory fares to promote the service will begin at Bt429 a flight, excluding airport taxes, fuel surcharges and fees. The special price is being offered until Friday for travel between August 21 and next March 29.

Tan said tourism in Krabi was recovering after struggling for years following the December 26, 2004, tsunami.

She described the destination as one of the few remaining undisturbed tropical beach resorts, with mountain adventure trails and meandering river valleys, offering stunning panoramas for photographers and activities like rock climbing and diving for visitors.

"We are thrilled to be adding yet another route to our extensive network in the Asean region," she said.

 "The new route is our way of offering more choices to holiday-makers, and we expect it will appeal to young urbanites and families.

"We hope to continue opening new routes into Krabi as one of the top international tourist destinations," Tan said.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation