AirAsia now flies direct from Don Mueang to Okinawa, Japan. Airline confident of maintaining healthy load factor throughout the year

BANGKOK, April 2, 2024 --

Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) is now flying direct from Don Mueang to Okinawa, Japan's southern paradise island, kicking off with a load factor of over 85 percent on its inaugural flight, and with welcoming ceremonies held at both Don Mueang Airport and Naha Airport.

AirAsia flies Bangkok Don Mueang-Okinawa four times a week on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. This is the second connection between Thailand and Japan by Thai AirAsia, after Fukuoka. The new route is part of the airline’s expansion into Japan.

Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, who joined the inaugural flight FD240 from Don Mueang to Okinawa, said: “Japan remains a top destination for Thai travelers as can be seen from our direct flights to Fukuoka that has increased from 4 weekly to daily flights in just a short period of time. The demand has led Thai AirAsia to adding Don Mueang-Okinawa that takes off today.

At a glance

Company: Thai AirAsia
Announcement: Expansion
Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Key figures

Inaugural flight load factor: over 85 percent
Weekly Don Mueang–Okinawa frequency: four times a week
Target average load factor for the route this year: over 80 percent

People

Santisuk KlongchaiyaChief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia

Products and programs

Don Mueang–Okinawa route

"Okinawa is a beach city that is convenient for travelers and very affordable. A popular place to visit among Japanese people and international tourists, the city offers a wide range of activities and year-round good weather. Visitors can join the Lily Festival in late April and then surf, scuba dive and enjoy the city's famed food, from Agu Pork and Okinawa Soba to Sweet Potato Tarts. It has everything for all types of travelers, from solo, couples to families," Mr. Santisuk said.

Thai AirAsia welcomed both departing and arriving passengers on the inaugural Don Mueang-Okinawa flight, holding a press conference in Naha Airport of Okinawa to promote the route to Japanese travelers and invite them to Thailand. The airline is aiming for a Load Factor average of over 80 percent for the route this year and will be offering a range of promotions to allow more people to enjoy travelling at affordable fares.

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In brief

Thai AirAsia has started direct service between Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport and Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan. The airline says its inaugural flight recorded a load factor above 85 percent. The route operates four times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and is the carrier’s second connection between Thailand and Japan after Fukuoka. Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said demand for travel to Japan supported the launch. The company is targeting an average load factor above 80 percent on the Okinawa route this year and says it plans to offer promotions aimed at making fares more affordable. The airline also held welcome activities at both airports and a press conference in Naha to promote the service to Japanese travelers.

Key takeaways

Thai AirAsia has launched direct flights between Don Mueang and Okinawa’s Naha Airport.
The route operates four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The inaugural flight had a load factor above 85 percent, according to the airline.
Thai AirAsia is targeting an average load factor above 80 percent on the route this year.

Earlier from Thai AirAsia

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