AirAsia Phuket-HK launch

The airline will start the service on November 15.

It also hopes Phuket will have more connectivity with Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Medan, Ho Chi Minh City and many other locations in the near future.

Chief executive officer Tassapon Bijleveld said Phuket had become a Thai AirAsia operational hub, the airline having been overwhelmed with demand for low fares and seeing great potential in having the island as a base.

"We believe we will be able to further boost passenger traffic, which will have a positive impact on the economy of various cities and the country as a whole," he said.

After beginning its service from Phuket to Singapore in 2007, Thai AirAsia is now introducing daily flights from Phuket to Hong Kong, with a celebration fare starting from Bt999 one way.

Bookings for the route are open for sale from this coming Monday until October 11 for travel between November 15 and July 31, 2010.

Thai AirAsia's new hub will initially be serviced by two Airbus A320 aircraft. In line with its business plan, the carrier will introduce other routes such as Phuket-Chiang Mai, Phuket-Jakarta, Phuket-Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket-Medan in the near future.