New routes and increased frequency for 2017
Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth – President, Prote Setsuwan - Vice President-Marketing, and Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya – Vice President-Sales announced the airlines results as well as planned new routes and increased frequency to popular destinations.
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited headed by the airline’s executives,
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth – President, Mr. Prote Setsuwan - Vice
President-Marketing, and Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya – Vice
President-Sales, jointly announce the company’s operating results of 2016
and business outlook for 2017 at the Grand Ballroom 2, InterContinental
Hotel, Bangkok.
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok
Airways Public Company Limited commented that, "In 2016, total revenue of
the company was 26,765.8 million baht, increased by 7.5 percent from the
previous year. Net profit before income tax expenses was reported amounting
to 2,776.4 million baht. Referring to the announcement of the Ministry of
Finance, additional tax paid at the amount of 506.1 million baht was filed
during the period. After deducting tax, net profit would be 1,837.0 million
baht in which the profit attributable to the equity holders of the company
was 1,768.4 million baht. Earnings per share was 0.84 baht. The total number
of passengers in 2016 was 5.6 million passengers, increased by 9.5 percent
from the previous year. In 2017, the number of passengers is expected to
grow 12-13 percent. The passenger load factor in 2017 is expected to be at
72 percent in which passenger load factor in 2016 was at 69 percent.
As for our 2017 business outlook and direction, we will
still focus on expanding our network to cover the most important
destinations throughout Asia in order to facilitate our passengers and our
codeshare partners. We will further utilize our strategic flying hubs which
are Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Samui and Chiang Mai by offering new non-stop
services from these airports to some high potential destinations in Asia
such as Chiang Mai–Vientiane (Lao PDR), Chiang Mai–Bagan (Myanmar),
Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok-Phu Quoc (Vietnam), however, these routes
are still being approved by the local authorities. Also in January, we
launched a non-stop service between Samui-Guangzhou (China.) In addition to
that, increased frequency will be added to our popular domestic and
international routes such as Chiang Mai-Samui from 1 to 2 flights a day,
Chiang Mai-Phuket from 1 to 2 flights a day, Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son from 1
to 2 flights a day, Bangkok-Chiang Mai (one way) from 8 to 9 flights a day,
Phuket-Bangkok (one way) from 9 to 10 flights a day, Bangkok-Danang
(Vietnam) from 4 flights a week to 7 flights a week, Bangkok-Vientiane (Lao
PDR) from 1 to 2 flights a day and Chiang Mai-Mandalay (Myanmar) from 6 to 7
flights a week.
Moreover, we will increase the number of our codeshare
partners. To date, Bangkok Airways is in partnership with 22 airlines
around the world, including our latest partner – Xiamen Airlines. In 2017,
we expect to sign more agreements with another 4 Asian carriers.
As for aircraft delivery plans, we are expecting to
receive 5 aircraft, which include two ATR72-600’s, and three Airbus A319’s
which will bring the total number to 39 aircraft for 2017.
This year, the company also plans to invest more in
airport-related businesses in order to enhance the company’s overall
performance. We are planning to build a new hangar at Suvarnabhumi airport
as well as the Sukhothai airport, which can accommodate aircraft maintenance
up to C-Check. We are also looking at developing and building two new
airports, however, this has to undergo a lot of processes and be approved by
the relevant authorities. We plan to expand our Bangkok Air Catering
business by opening two more air catering houses at the Phuket international
airport (expected to be in operation by the third quarter of 2017) and the
Chiang Mai international airport (expected to be in operation by 2018).
Moreover, we plan to expand our culinary ventures beyond airline catering by
assuming a new role as gourmet food supplier called Gourmet Primo Co. (GPC)
to supply high quality foods, delicacies and special frozen meals for
consumers of kosher and halal food.
Bangkok Airways continually strives to support and be
involved in Corporate Social Responsibility activities which remains one of
our core missions whilst operating our business. To produce a fruitful and
sustained Corporate Social Responsibility scheme, we plan to help build a
stronger community, mainly around our three airports, Samui airport, Trat
airport, and Sukhothai airport, as well as other destinations that we
serve. We will extend our support to the local community through various
campaigns.” added Mr. Puttipong.
Mr. Prote Setsuwan, Vice President-Marketing, revealed
his marketing directions for 2017 stating that, “Our marketing goal this
year is to support sales activities and increase sales volume. We will use
integrated strategies to help elevate Bangkok Airways brand positioning in
both Thailand and the overseas markets. We will continue exercising our
Sport Marketing strategy in order to create and strengthen our brand
awareness with connections to our sport fans. This year, Bangkok Airways
will be organizing various sport-related events such as running races, -
Bangkok Airways Boutique Series 2017, the golf tournament, – Queens Cup
Bangkok Airways – SAT Golf Tournament 2017, the cycling race, – Bangkok
Airways Boutique Cycling Tour powered by OCTO to name a few. Moreover, we
will be sponsoring the THAI FIGHT which is seen as one of the most
celebrated combat events in the world.
Bangkok Airways is currently an official sponsor for four
professional football teams in Thailand which are Chiang Rai United, Chiang
Mai FC, Krabi FC and Lampang FC. This year, we will add two more teams and
become an official sponsor for Trat FC and Kasetsart FC.
Apart from that, we will increasingly work closely with
government and private sectors to help promote Thailand and South East Asian
tourism. For instance, we have joined hands with the Tourism Authority of
Thailand to organize the Thailand Wedding Destiny Campaign, taking 9 famous
couples from around the world, to have a wedding ceremony in popular
destinations in Thailand which are Samui, Sukhothai, Phuket and Krabi. We
also continue to work with local partners to promote local events such as
the Phuket Old Town Festival, Chiang Rai International Balloon Fiesta,
Chiang Mai Songkran Festival and Hoi An Lights & Sounds Festival.
This year, we will continue to focus on building customer
loyalty through various tailored-made campaigns such as the U Fare campaign
that offers great fares and amazing benefits to college students plus the
Resident Card campaign that allows passengers whose residence is in Samui,
Trat and Sukhothai to able to fly at a more reasonable fare. A Lifetime
Experience in London is a Bangkok Airways campaign that offers a truly
unforgettable experience to the lucky winners who get to enjoy a Premier
League football match in a VIP box seat at Stamford Bridge stadium plus
visit main tourist attractions and taste savory menus recommended by the
Michelin Guide while in London.
We are creating some special promotional fares for our
elderly passengers, disabled passengers, and government officers
passengers. As you can see, this year we are trying to cater to a very wide
audience so that our brand can be grown in the broader Thai market.” Mr.
Prote added.
Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya – Vice President-Sales,
revealed his 2017 sales plan stating that, “This year, Bangkok Airways will
concentrate on CMLV countries which are Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam,
as we foresee that these countries project notable economic growth and high
travel demands. Additionally, these countries are among the most popular
destinations for European and American travelers. Currently, Bangkok Airways
operates more than 40 flights between Thailand and these four countries and
we are planning to add more frequency plus introduce new services to meet
the growing travel demand.
Apart for the mentioned markets above, we are also eying
the Chinese market, especially industrial cities in China such as Guangzhou,
Chengdu, and Chongqing. Bangkok Airways currently operates daily non-stop
flights between Koh Samui-Chengdu and Koh Samui-Guangzhou and is planning to
launch new non-stop service linking Koh Samui and Chongqing in the near
future. Furthermore, we plan to attend a few tradeshows in China to broaden
our presece in this market.
We are also interested in other continents such as
Europe, the Americas, and Africa, especially, countries in South America
that project high spending power, which encouraged us to appoint a sales
representative in Brazil. We are also looking to appoint more
representatives in various countries such as Mexico, Kazakhstan and
Uzbekistan.
Apart from making our presence known at world-class
travel fairs like ITB Berlin and the World Travel Mart in London, we will
also attend tradeshows in Chinese and Russian speaking countries.
For domestic sales, we will launch special-fare
promotions year-round to boost advance sales. Since the beginning of 2017 we
have already launched great promotions such as the Magical New Year Journey
and the Lovely Journey to name a couple. Moreover, we will be attending some
important domestic travel fairs including the Thai Tiew Thai Fair and the
Samui Travel Fair.” added Mr. Varong.
Piyachat Kaiwanitch Berton, Director of NSTDA Northern Region, Dr. Manote
Naklata, Physics Researcher, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University
and Narong Tananuwat, Managing Director of Dzentric Co., and others join for
a group photo after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the
Regional Thailand Tech Show
Nopniwat Krailerg
Researchers joined hands with the National Science and
Technology Development Agency: NSTDA at the Regional Thailand Tech Show held
at the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai on December 15, 2016 to display research
exhibitions and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the NSTDA, a
Chiang Mai University researcher and a private company to develop new fire
resistant technology.
Opened by Suwipa Wansathop, Assistant Director of NSTDA and
executives from agency partners the event featured research by the NSTDA and
in cooperation with organizations and attracted entrepreneurs, investors,
and people interested in technology in the North.
Suwipa Wansathop, Assistant Director of NSTDA, said that
Ministry of Science and Technology by National Science and Technology
Development Agency: NSTDA organized the show in Chiang Mai as the center for
entrepreneurs, investors, and people interested in starting technology
businesses in the North. Agricultural product processing like pharmaceutical
cream/gel from Szechuan peppers, tea seed meal, and bat flowers for pain
relief along with antifungals through sunblock lotion, mosquito lotion, nano
products, industrial objects for energy saving, and Geo Polymer. Also a
group supporting Smart Farmers with such technology as antimicrobial film,
pond coating technology with natural rubber solution, various agricultural
machines like banana slicers, herbal shredder, rice straw compressors and
others were on display along with booths showing and selling innovative
products.
The Assistant Director added that apart part from the
research there was a special lecture on the new S-Curve to Thailand 4.0 on
the government’s policy plans to convert the country’s economy from heavy
industry to one based on technobolgy, innovation, and creativity. There was
a lecture on “Strengthening Brand in the Digital Era” and on “Innovation of
Clean Technology”.
Additionally the NSTDA signed a Memorandum of understanding
on the development of fire resistant insulation between Piyachat Kaiwanitch
Berton, Director of NSTDA Northern Region, Dr. Manote Naklata, Physics
Researcher, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University and Narong
Tananuwat, Managing Director of Dzentric Co., Ltd. for commercial production
of the product in the future.
