the latest happenings at bangkok airways

HRH PRINCESS UBOLRATANA VISITS BANGKOK AIRWAYS’ BOOTH AT ITB

HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Siri Vadhana Phannavadi (above middle) recently visited Bangkok Airways’ booth at Berlin’s ITB 2008, the world’s largest travel fair.

Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s President and CEO, and ML Nandhika Varavarn, Vice President of Corporate Communications, greeted and presented Her Royal Highness with souvenirs as a token of gratitude while other executives from the airline looked on.

BANGKOK AIRWAYS’ FIRST AIRBUS 319 WITH BUSINESS CLASS

Bangkok Airways welcomed its latest Airbus 319, named “Hiroshima”, at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This aircraft is the first in the fleet to have business class seats.

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s Senior Executive Vice President who sits on the Board of Directors, piloted the new jet from Hamburg.

Bangkok Airways’ 17th aircraft is emblazoned with a colourful design. The dual-class plane has 12 business class seats and 108 economy seats, and introduces Bangkok Airways’ business class service, Blue Ribbon Club.

With a flying range of eight hours, four more of this aircraft type will arrive in 2009. All business-class configured aircraft will service the Bangkok-Hiroshima and Bangkok-Fukuoka routes.

BANGKOK AIRWAYS’ 40 YEARS OF DEDICATION

For 40 years, Bangkok Airways has faithfully served its customers with dedication and commitment, and is now on its way to becoming one of the leading airlines in Indochina.

Being Asia’s Boutique Airline, Bangkok Airways has established a strong presence in the region as the airline that flies to natural and cultural destinations across Asia. Today, Bangkok Airways carries more than two million passengers per year, 90% of which are international arrivals.

Back in 1968, Bangkok Airways first started as a small private airline company, Sahakol Air, operating unscheduled charter flights in Thailand’s far-flung destinations such as Korat, Krabi, Surin and U-Tapao. Business was slow in the beginning due to restrictions that barred Bangkok Airways from flying to all major domestic routes; the barrier to entry was very high as the industry remained very much protected. Airline deregulation did not happen until the late 1970s.

The unfavourable business climate prompted our President and CEO to come up with an alternative strategy. Rather than forcing growth in current remote routes, he conceived the idea of building an airport in a place with high potential for growth in tourism. He chose Koh Samui.

Building and running Koh Samui airport turned out to be a strategic move that enabled Bangkok Airways to expand operations within its airline business as well as in related businesses such hotels and shopping complexes.

The move was soon followed by the construction of two more airports in Sukhothai and Trat.

In 2004, Bangkok Airways branded themselves as “Asia’s Boutique Airline”, positioned between the low-cost airlines and major international carriers.

With its boutique campaign, Bangkok Airways presented itself as a “regional” airline with international routes and exceptional quality standards. The main objective was to be the first airline to fly to natural and cultural destinations in Asia, including Asia’s World Heritage sites.

Besides Bangkok Airways’ unique destinations, the boutique campaign ensured boutique lounges for all passengers, boutique airports, appetising meals on every flight (right), new aircraft and exclusive service standards.

Today, Bangkok Airways owns and manages three private airports in Koh Samui, Sukhothai and Trat, and flies to more than 20 natural and cultural destinations across Asia.

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GOOD MARKETING

“It has now been nearly eight years that I have been working with Bangkok Airways. There have been many special memories and important moments along the way. One of the highlights has to be the day we celebrated carrying our two millionth passenger. That was in 2005,” says Vice President of Marketing, Peter Wiesner.

“It was a 100% increase from the year 2000, when we reached one million passengers,” he adds. “Our many unique destinations, excellent inflight service and dedicated staff all play important roles in increasing our airline’s reputation.”

To boost passenger traffic, Bangkok Airways introduced the electronic ticket in 2002, making our flights more accessible to passengers and sales agent globally. Today, e-tickets account for more than 95% of the tickets issued by travel agents and airlines.

In addition, Bangkok Airways’ tickets are available to more than 75,000 IATA travel agents in over 30 countries via GDS, or Global Distribution Systems. This allows reservations to be made easily anywhere in the world. A traveller in Hungary, for example, can purchase Bangkok Airways’ tickets at his local travel agent.

Another channel that the marketing department proudly presents is their frequent flyer programme called FlyerBonus.

The programme aims to create relationships with new customers while strengthening ties wiThexisting ones. Our partnerships are airlines, car rental companies, hotels, hospitals and financial institutions. The programme offers great benefits to its members such as special discounts or some other privileges.

“At Bangkok Airways, our focus is always on the customer and offering excellent products. Our service is impeccable and our passionate employees are our most important asset. I’m a firm believer that a company is only as good as its staff,” says Peter.

Welcome to FlyerBonus

the one and only frequent flyer programme

A membership with FlyerBonus provides members with benefits, privileges and point accumulation that count towards an array of award redemptions opportunities. Members can collect FlyerBonus points when flying with Bangkok Airways or Siem Reap Airways International. All base points accrued from activity with Bangkok Airways and partner airline(s) convert into qualifying points that determine a member’s FlyerBonus status.

To collect points and redeem awards

In addition to earning points when flying with Bangkok Airways or partner airline(s), members can earn points and/or special privileges when utilising services offered by programme partners which include hotels, financial institutions, car rental companies, healthcare providers and lifestyle partners. The exciting news for FlyerBonus members is that all accrued points can be redeemed for award flight(s), hotel voucher(s) and/or car rental voucher(s).

Membership Levels

FlyerBonus comprises two membership tiers – Priority and Premier – wit heach having distinct privileges.

Priority Member

Upon successful enrolment, members will automatically be rewarded with a Priority status which enables the accumulation and redemption of FlyerBonus points. Priority members will enjoy benefits such as a 10kg excess baggage allowance. A member’s Priority status remains active with at least one flight taken over a 12-month period.

Premier Member

Once 200 qualifying points have been accrued, FlyerBonus members are then rewarded with a Premier status. Premier members receive even greater benefits such as a 20kg excess baggage allowance, dedicated check-in counter, Blue Ribbon Club lounge access and a number of other exciting surprises for smoother travel.

More FlyerBonus point accrual opportunities with Programme Partners*

Airlines:
Siem Reap Airways International

Hotels and Accommodation:
Accor Asia Pacific:
– Sofitel Hotels and Resorts
– Grand Mercure Hotels
– Novotel Hotels
– Mercure Hotels Amari Hotels and Resorts
Anantara Resorts Centara Hotels and Resorts
Buri Rasa Village – Samui
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort – Samui
FCC Cambodia
Hotel de la Paix – Siem Reap
Melati Beach Resort and Spa – Samui
Mom Tri’s Villa Royale – Phuket
Samui Palm Beach Resort – Samui
Six Senses Hideaway Samui – A Sala

Property
Financial Institutions:
Kasikornbank
Krungthai Card (KTC)
Car Rental:
Avis Thailand
Budget Thailand
Hertz Thailand
Healthcare:
Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre
Bangkok Hospital Group
BNH Hospital
Samitivej Hospitals
Lifestyle:
Bangkok Airways Duty Free
Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre
Pink Rose Holidays

For more information, visit www.bangkokair.com/flyerbonus

TWO NEW ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS ON KOH SAMUI

FlyerBonus provides you with more choices for point collection when staying on Koh Samui. Join us in welcoming Chaweng Regent Beach Resort and Melati Beach Resort and Spa to the FlyerBonus Programme. Pamper yourself at either resort and be rewarded with FlyerBonus points. Enrol in FlyerBonus and enjoy the benefits from Bangkok Airways and its partners at www.bangkokair.com/flyerbonus

* At qualifying rates with participating partner airline(s), hotels, financial institutions, car rental companies, healthcare providers and lifestyle partners