After major delays, Thai Lion Air (TLA), a Thai-registered budget airline will commence a regular flight route between Bangkok and Yangon on July 22. The route, originally expected to open in May, was delayed after Myanmar-registered airlines voiced opposition to TLA’s entry into the already competitive airspace.
TLA has since gained permission from Myanmar authorities to operate in the country, despite reports that new regulatory frameworks to control the expansion of airlines is underway.
The airline, which operates as a subsidiary of Indonesia-based Lion Air Group, plans to service the route with two daily flights starting at $ 27 for a one-way ticket. This record low price will heighten competition on the congested flight route which is currently serviced by major Thai carriers such as Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Smile.
However, TLA is not worried about a competitive air route, expecting passenger demand to increase as Myanmar’s economy and business relations with Thailand continue to strengthen. Yangon International Airport is the newest international destination for TLA, which has previously stretched its wings to overseas airports in China, Indonesia and Singapore. The passenger transporter plan to start more flights to further international destinations in China and Vietnam this year.
