< PreviousTHE COMPANY Boutique airline Bangkok Airways has been the choice for travellers to Samui since its inauguration in 1968 together with the opening of its privately-operated Samui International Airport. The direct flights and quality service allow time-saving and comfortable trips to the southern island, leading to much success and accolades. Since then, the airline has opened more routes and privately-operated airports at other attractive destinations around Thailand including Sukhothai and Trat. Today, Bangkok Airways has proven its high standards to be so consistent that it keeps earning awards of excellence such as the “World’s Best Regional Airline” and SKYTRAX’s “Best Regional Airline in Asia” for many consecutive years. FLYING BOUTIQUE Text by Natasha P COME FLY WITH ME THE BUZZ 30COMFORT AND ENTERTAINMENT Bangkok Airways’ Boutique Lounge is one of the biggest magnets of its pre-boarding service. It allows passengers in all classes to wait comfortably for their boarding time while snacking on tasty drinks and snacks which, due to the pandemic, are currently covered hygienically (additionally, gloves are made available to reduce direct hand contact with surfaces). Free WiFi and charging stations are also available in the lounges. SERVICE AND CUISINE The airline still serves delightful inflight meals although, out of health safety concerns, with stringent hygiene procedures in place and the suspension of some services. The cabin crew and ground staff are as helpful and polite as always. OVERALL IMPRESSION The past few years have been a tremendously challenging period for all airlines which has resulted in heightened safety concerns and service limitations, yet travelling with Bangkok Airways is still a delightful experience with comfortable seats and great service provided by well-trained staff. BANGKOK AIRWAYS PCL 99 Moo 14, Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 T. +66 (0) 2 270 6699 (24-hr) E. reservations@bangkokair.com W. www.bangkokair.com 31Thai Vietjet continues to expand its young and modern fleet featuring Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft to cope with its expanding route network. It currently operates on 12 Thailand domestic routes to/from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani and Surat Thani. It also operates cross-regional flights including Phuket to Chiang Rai and THE COMPANY Since its establishment in 2014, Thai Vietjet has been cooperating with Vietjet to extend its route network and provide more opportunities for travellers to discover Thailand and other countries. With a focus on hospitable and enjoyable service, cost management, effective operation and performance, the airline has been able to offer competitive and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet travellers’ needs. FLYING HIGH Text by Urasa Chittamvanich The airline has picked up industry accolades quickly, including “Fastest Growing Low-Cost Carrier of 2020” from Global Business Outlook Magazine, and “Most Passenger-Friendly Cabin Crew – 2021” from International Finance Magazine. These emphasise its position as an “airline of hospitality” and its core values of “friendly & fun” together with “safety”, “punctuality” and “affordable price”. COME FLY WITH ME 32 THE BUZZChiang Mai. The airline connects Thailand with Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Cambodia, Taipei and other destinations in the region, and is actively expanding its international route network to more destinations across the Asia-Pacific. COMFORT AND ENTERTAINMENT Due to ongoing precautions as a result of the pandemic, onboard entertainment in the form of a printed magazine has not yet resumed. However, the cabins are sleek with generous legroom and the vivacious uniform of the cabin crew will keep passengers’ senses alert. SERVICE AND CUISINE The exclusive SkyBOSS add-on service provides a fast lane premium check-in, 10 kg of carry-on luggage and 30 kg of checked luggage. Another benefit of SkyBOSS is the privilege of using the airline lounge and having something to eat from the buffet with its international selection of dishes, ideal whether you opt for a light meal or want to fill up before take-off. The beverage bar offers quite an extensive drinks menu. From the boarding gate, SkyBOSS travellers are entitled to an exclusive shuttle service to the airplane. During their flight, SkyBOSS travellers are served a drink, snack and meal with dessert which they may select from the menu. I was impressed by the generous inflight choices of this low-cost carrier! OVERALL IMPRESSION My journey was smooth with an efficient and fast check-in, impressive lounge, the on-time departure, tasty sky kitchen and responsive service from the cabin crew. I landed safe, sound and very satisfied. THAI VIETJET AIR JOINT STOCK COMPANY LIMITED 999 Moo 1 Concourse A and G, Suvarnabhumi Airport Unit A1-062 and Unit G1-048, 1 st Floor, Nongprue, Bangphil, Samutprakarn, 10540 T. 66 (0) 2 111 5999 W. www.vietjetair.com3435 THE SPOTLIGHT CHARLOTTE AUSTIN3638Next >