Search
SKY NEWS
NEW VENTURE
Thailand’s largest hospital group, Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre (BMC), already operates four major hospitals in the capital, as well as a broad range of specialised clinics. Now, in partnership with Bangkok Airways, the group has expanded its services to incorporate the region’s first-ever private helicopter air ambulance service.
Established in 1995, Bangkok Helicopter Services (BHS) inaugurated its new Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) – which has already proven to be a genuine lifesaver – and luxury flying limousine operation in November 2007. The service is operated as a joint venture with Bangkok Airways, combining BMC’s medical acumen with the airline’s aviation professionalism and expertise. The twin-engine helicopter is on 24-hour standby to attend to emergencies throughout Thailand and in neighbouring countries, providing critical on-site treatment before flying the patient back to receive care in one of BMC’s Bangkok hospitals.
“Having this helicopter has been a dream of ours for a long time,” says BMC’s chief executive and chairman Dr Chatree Duangnet. “We have a full fleet of vehicles for all types of patient care and evacuation, but this is the final piece in the jigsaw and it has already helped us to save many lives.”
Ordered specially from French company Eurocopter, the chopper is capable of flying at night and in almost all weather conditions, and carries experienced aviation doctors and nurses, as well as an impressive array of medical equipment.
The five pilots, two of whom are on permanent standby, are specially trained to be able to deal with difficult manoeuvres, such as landing on rooftops or in tight spaces at the scene of accidents.
“We can land in an area smaller than a basketball court. The aircraft is designed to handle this kind of job,” says BHS managing director Captain Puttipong Prasartthong-Osoth.
The elite helicopter team is able to take off within 30 minutes of receiving a call, and in a matter of minutes can recover a patient anywhere, whether in Thailand or in a neighbouring country. The patient is flown back directly to one of the two landing pads at the BMC campus, and can then be transferred straight to the operating theatre.
When the chopper isn’t busy saving lives, it is transformed into a luxury flying limousine capable of carrying eight passengers in complete comfort; on its days off, the BHS helicopter can be chartered for anything from a short hop in Bangkok, to an aerial sightseeing tour up-country. Last Christmas it even became a flying sled, delivering Santa Claus to a highly appreciative audience at a local international school.
However, as Dr Chatree is quick to point out, the service’s primary role is to save lives, and the passion and dedication of all those involved will undoubtedly ensure that this is exactly what it continues to do.
airline updates
the latest happenings at Bangkok Airways
BANGKOK AIRWAYS’ CEO RECEIVES HONORARY PHD
Bangkok Airways Chief Executive Officer Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth received an Honorary PhD in Arts, Aviation Business from Thailand’s Kasembundit University.
Dr Prasert’s wife, Mrs Vanli Prasarttong- Osoth (right), and their children, Mrs. Ariya Sikamonton and Captain Puttipong Prasarttong- Osoth (left ), were present to congratulate him.
BANGKOK AIRWAYS LAUNCHES INFLIGHT DUTY FREE
Bangkok Airways has launched inflight duty-free shopping on board flights to Hiroshima, Xi’an, Guilin, Pakse, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Hong Kong and Singapore. Flyer bonus members will receive the privilege of a 10% discount.
The duty-free retail items include selections of cosmetics, skincare products and perfumes from leading brands such as Christian Dior, Estée Lauder, Anna Sui, Bvlgari, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanc[00f4]me and Calvin Klein. Moreover, jewellery, chocolate, wine and liquor is also available in the pushcart.
In addition, More-Than-Free, a Bangkok Airways- affiliated company, has opened duty-free outlets inside the international departure terminals of U- Tapao Airport in Pattaya, Koh Samui Airport and on the first floor at the Bangkok Airways Head Office. More outlets are planned in Cambodia.
Bangkok Airways operates duty-free shopping in association with Inflight Sales Group (ISG), the airline’s new partner from Hong Kong, a pioneer of airline concession operations, management and marketing with 20 years of duty-free experience. For more information, please call +66 (0)2 265-8759 or visit our website at www.more-than-free.com
SAMUI AIRPORT RANKS WORLD’S TOP TEN AIRPORTS
A poll by leading Asian online travel magazine, Smart Travel, names Koh Samui Airport as as one of the world’s top ten airports in the annual “Best Travel Brand 2008” survey. The airport was also in the top ten ranking in 2006 and 2007.
The success has once again put Koh Samui Airport alongside some of the world’s top names in the Best Airports Worldwide category.
Readers of Smart Travel Asia voted in different categories including hotels, resorts, spas, airlines and airports.
Full survey results are available at www.smarttravelasia.com
BANGKOK AIRWAYS WINS ASIA’S BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE 2008
Bangkok Airways won the Best Regional Airline for Asia in this year’s World Airline Awards poll conducted by Skytrax (www.worldairlineawards.com). This follows the airline’s recognition on the top rung in the regional category since 2004.
Bangkok Airways’ strategic positioning as Asia’s boutique airline has earned the airline a reputation for service quality to discerning travellers from around the world. The airline is the only one in Asia to have received the distinction in this category for five consecutive years through considerable votes from passengers who have experienced its boutique service.
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s President, has complimented all staff, particularly those on the front line: “In receiving this merit, I’m as grateful as everyone else in the company. Amid the fierce competition in the airline business, this title has clearly made its own statement that the airline’s ‘boutique’ concept has reached the commendable service level we all strive for.”
The task of delivering quality service for passengers has its prime focus on front-line service, from the boutique lounges which are open for all passengers; inflight meals; boutique airports in Samui, Sukhothai and Trat (Koh Chang); new aircraft with liveries inspired by the spirit of the region’s most exotic destinations; as well as helpful and friendly staff who have escalated the joy of travel all under a one-of-a- kind “boutique” brand.
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 – with each 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 250 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
Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel
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
Tharaburi Resort - Sukhothai
The Library - Samui
The Quay Hotel – Phnom Penh
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
FLYERBONUS WELCOMES ITS LATEST HOTEL PARTNER – THE LIBRARY
FlyerBonus provides you with more point collection choices than ever before when staying on Koh Samui. FlyerBonus’s latest partner, The Library, offers a state-of-the-art hotel experience surrounded by elegant architecture. Join us in welcoming The Library to the FlyerBonus Program, where members can accrue points from 1 July onwards. There are also several other select partners on Koh Samui ready to reward you with FlyerBonus points. For more information and enrolment details, visit www.bangkokair.com/flyerbonus
Bookmark This Post
