Thai Smile Launching Cebu to Bangkok Flights in November

Thai Smile, the regional affiliate of Thai Airways International, plans to launch non-stop service from Bangkok to Mactan-Cebu International Airport in November. It will become the only direct service from the Visayas to Thailand.

thai smile a320
Image Source: Asia Travel Tips
Earlier this year, the Thai Airways President announced that Cebu had been added to the carrier's list of new destinations. The new service would complement Thai's existing daily non-stop flight from Bangkok to Manila. The addition of Cebu represents an effort by the Thai flag carrier to expand its network and revive routes that now have the potential to be profitable.

Thai Airways recently announced that it planned to recruit up to 600 new flight attendants to support the network expansion ahead of the upcoming peak season. "We see a very bright future for us in the coming high season this year," said Charamporn Jotikasthira, Thai Airways President. "It's a time for THAI to move fast."

The Thai flag carrier is pushing for Bangkok to become a true aviation hub for Southeast Asia by increasing frequencies on several routes including Bangkok-Manila, as the carrier attempts to attract connecting passengers from India, Europe, and the Middle East.

Thai Airways launched Thai Smile in July 2012 as its low-cost arm and regional affiliate. The Thai subsidiary currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus A320-200 aircraft in an all-Economy class configuration of 174 seats. However, thirty seats aboard each aircraft are dedicated to 'Smile Plus,' which is the carrier's version of Economy Plus offering enhanced in-flight service and additional space.

When Thai Smile launches new service to Bangkok from Cebu, it will become the fifth new international route added from Cebu this year alone. Earlier this year, Mactan-Cebu Airport celebrated the launch of direct flights to Los Angeles, Taipei, Dubai, and Xiamen.

30 comments:

  1. Correction: Cebu Pacific was the first to offer Visayas to Thailand direct flights- Cebu to Bangkok

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    Replies
    1. I don't remember if they ever did, but Cebu Pacific don't fly between Cebu and Bangkok now.

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    2. They actually did unfortunately they stopped it when Thailand experienced civil unrest and for some sad reason they decided not to reinstate it.

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  2. Is there any info here that needs to be corrected? I think none. They didn't say they were the first, did they? :)

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    1. The text of the article says "It will become the first direct service from the Visayas to Thailand."

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    2. It will become the only direct service from the Visayas to Thailand.

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  3. On a different topic:
    Does anyone know when Caticlan airport will finally open its new runway for A320s?

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    Replies
    1. Hi,

      We have not seen any other updates regarding the development of Caticlan airport. A January report said that land preparation continues at the development site and the upgraded and expanded Boracay Airport is expected to be completed by 2019.

      Make sure to follow us on Facebook so you can get new updates on Caticlan airport.

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  4. when the direct flight from europe to Cebu start

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    1. currently, these are just plans. If we have to be completely honest, maybe this won't even be feasible yet. Maybe it'll take a few more years or maybe when Terminal 2 in MCIA is done already in 2018. What you can do instead is take Emirates to Dubai and connect from Dubai to Europe or take Cathay Pacific, Silk Air/Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Eva Air or Asiana and take those to head to Europe. You could also wait for Qatar Airways.

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  5. I just called Thai smile here in Bangkok and they don't know about this information.

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    1. That's because the route is not for sale yet. It is simply a plan that still needs to pass the regulatory process. No schedules or details have been released by the carrier yet.

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    2. Sept no news yet....waiting....lol

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  6. Still nothing. Wat da 'ell?!

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    1. The report said the route will start in November.

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    2. Many reports also said October. Even if the route starts in sometime November, one would expect to be available to buy tickets now...and you can not.

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    3. Yes, Cebu once had direct flights to Bangkok.

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  7. Looking forward for this!!! Woohoo!

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  8. here's what the text stated...

    It will become the only direct service from the Visayas to Thailand.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mid November now...still no news...booooo

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like they may have either postponed or cancelled their plans. What do Thai Smile say if you ask them?

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  10. Already December now and still no news about it! Was it cancelled or something?

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    Replies
    1. You keep asking the same question here, but nobody knows the answer. Why don't you contact Thai Smile and ask them? Then you can come back here and tell the rest of us.

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  11. My friend said it will start in May 2017

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  12. August 2017 now,, no news yet... huhuhuhu

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    Replies
    1. There was news on this a few months ago. They've cancelled the plan.

      http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2017/03/thai-smile-rethinks-cebu/

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