cathay begins bangkok-new delhi flights

The airline is offering an introductory price for a round trip on economy class at Bt8,300 excluding tax and fuel surcharges.

Three other airlines are operating the route: Thai Airways International, Air India and Jet Airways. However, all these airlines have a load factor of 50 to 80 per cent. Cathay Pacific already has forward bookings representing an 85-per-cent load factor.

New Delhi is India's air travel centre, and one of the most frequented destinations in that country. Thailand is a potential destination for tourists and businessmen from India.

Moreover, Thailand is becoming a wedding destination for India, so the airline will be targeting that group.

According to Yongyut, 27 new Thai aircrews have been employed to serve the expansion.

Yongyut added that the airline is offering online deals for small and medium enterprises called "Small Business Solutions or SBS", to help entrepreneurs during the economic crisis.

The airline is giving 5-per-cent discounts for SME operators who make regular trips overseas for business.

The airline is also encouraging Thai tourists to visit Hong Kong during the long school holidays through its HK Disneyland Buy 2 Get 1 Free promotion.