Thai Lion Air has successfully completed its first commercial flight today, flying a Boeing 737-900ER from its base at Bangkok Don Mueang to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and marking the beginning of a twice daily service. The earlier flight departs from Bangkok at 1120 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 1235. The latter one leaves at 1540 for a 1655 arrival. From Chiang Mai, departure times are 1320 and 1735, while arrival times in Bangkok are 1435 and 1850 respectively.
The airline has two 737-900ERs in operation and will put both of them on this debut route. The configuration is all-economy, with seats upholstered in leather and offering 29 inches (74cm) of seat pitch. The aircraft comes with the Boeing Sky Interior and is the largest model in the 737 family.
In today's ceremony celebrating his airline's inaugural flight, Thai Lion Air chief executive Capt Darsito Hendroseputro revealed that the carrier has applied for international air traffic rights, with hopes to launch a daily non-stop service from Bangkok to Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. Other routes being considered are Bangkok-Hat Yai and Bangkok-Singapore. The airline is expecting two more 737-900ERs, due for delivery in February.
If the airline successfully launches international services, it will come head to head with Air Asia, which operates its Malaysia Air Asia, Thai Air Asia and Indonesia Air Asia flights from Don Mueang. The airline has recently increased its Bangkok-Singapore frequency (see story).
Reggie Ho
