Bangkok Airways Outlines Direction for 2010

"Bangkok Airways is therefore committed to work alongside the government and our partners in a wide ranging effort to bring back the confidence Thailand’s tourism industry needs. As a private sector enterprise we are able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and are now looking primarily to promote domestic tourism, focusing on the many wonderful destinations and wide-ranging opportunities our country offers."

Chulin Kocharoen Deputy Sales Director – Sales Strategy Planning and Administration commented, "Previously, we have utilized all sales channels, but the online channel has grown rapidly in the past 10 years. Bangkok Airways launched its global online reservation and payment services via www.bangkokair.com in 2001 and online check-in in 2008. In 2009 the site received 5.4 million visitors and already this year visitor numbers are 2.5 million visitors or an average of 16,000 viewers per day. The online channel growth rate is around 30% per year with online sales representing 27% of overall sales volume in 2009. For 2010 we expect a 35% growth rate, representing 2.8 billion baht in cash revenue from what we believe will be an active tourism market in the second half of the year. Besides, we have teamed up with Ogilvy (Thailand) to develop the current website to have a more modern look and easier to use, this is to go in line with the company’s new branding campaign."

"To further support our sales activities we have been very active in the social media network. Bangkok Airways has its own webpage on Facebook and Twitter to publicise our activities and promotions to which members or visitors can respond in real-time. We have also placed our advertising banner on over 500 websites, and several online partnerships e.g. hotels and travel insurance companies. Moreover, we are developing an iPhone application that will enable its user to book, check-in, and check time table and FlyerBonus point on the go. We believe the company’s online marketing presence provides a powerful tool for us to reach our consumers while expanding our client base," added Chulin.

M.L. Nandhika Varavarn Vice President – Corporate Communications said, "For the very first time we have launched a new branding campaign with a budget of more than 60 million baht to produce a new television commercial especially for the Thai market. The new ad, ‘Love at First Flight’ is directed by three of Thailand’s most celebrated directors. ‘Love at First Flight’ will convey Bangkok Airways’ special ‘boutique’ character from the viewpoint of each director. We strongly believe this special TV commercial will resonate with the Thai consumer," M.L. Nandhika added.

‘Love at First Flight’ is created by Ogilvy & Mather Advertising and is directed by three of Fan Chan’s six celebrated directors from GMM Tai Hub film production (GTH), who have teamed up again especially for the project. ‘Love at First Flight’ tells three stories; "Check In" directed by Nitiwat Taratorn (Dear Galileo), "Lounge" directed by Adisorn Tresirikasem (Bangkok Traffic Love Story) and "Service" directed by Wittaya Tongyuyong (The Little Comedian).

For more information or reservations please visit www.bangkoktravelclub.com or contact Bangkok Travel Club at Tel. 02 255 8966 or 1771 press 3.