Thai Lion AIr will be operate ATR 72-600 from Hat Yai

Thai Lion Air, Lion Air subsidiary in Thailand, has announced a plan to develop a network of Hat Yai, a city located in southern Thailand. To develop these in Hat Yai, Thai Lion Air has received one ATR 72-600 aircraft stationed in the city, allowing for the company to open up domestic and international routes.

Starting March 21, 2014, Thai Lion Air will offer flights from Hat Yai to a city resort in Hua Hin, as many as five flights a week. While the flight from Hat Yai to Surat Thani, which is the gateway to the resort island of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, will be served three times a week. Previously there was no airline which operates both the route.

Subsequently, on 6 April 2014 Thai Lion Air will launch its first international route from Hay Yai, connecting twice a week with the city in Indonesia, Medan, and four times a week towards Subang, near Kuala Lumpur.

"We chose Hat Yai as our second hub as it is the gateway to southern Thailand and we know that many people go to southern Thailand for business and leisure. Many popular tourist destinations in southern Thailand and we also will encourage residents to explore Thailand's neighboring countries, namely Indonesia and Malaysia," said Executive Director of Thai Lion Air Andi Burhan.

Thai Lion Air has gained approval from regulators for operating the new routes, both domestically and internationally. Thai Lion Air plans to increase the frequency of flights from Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, towards Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur.

Burhan said, the small aircraft like the ATR 72-600 is suitable to operate in southern Thailand due to general passengers in the region is not so dense. "Having ATR allows for us to operate in small towns in Thailand and develop a more comprehensive domestic network,"said Burhan.