Thai AirAsia expanding operations in 2009

As other airlines around the world downsize during the economic slowdown, low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia has announced that it will expand its operations in 2009.

The carrier’s chief executive, Tassapon Bijleveld, has launched a new programme, called “Pick A Seat”, which makes it possible for passengers to choose an assigned seat for a fee, from 17 February.

Part of Malaysia-based AirAsia, the largest budget airline group in Southeast Asia, Thai AirAsia is hoping to carry one million more passengers in 2009 than it did last year. It will be adding four new jets to its fleet, launch up to six new routes in China and India and maintaining its existing routes and frequencies.

The carrier is optimistic of turning a “good profit” for 2009, which would mean a major turnaround from 2008, when it was hit by “significant” fuel hedging losses and the closure of the Bangkok airport by anti-government protesters late in the year.

“There should be a smile on our face in 2009,” the Thai AirAsia chief executive said earlier this week, referring to the carrier’s financial performance.

He did not comment, however, if the airline would be posting a loss for last year, although he did note that the balance sheet had been affected by negative factors.

Thanks to www.bangkokpost.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

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