Solar Air opens new route U-Tapao-Pattaya to Siem Reap, Cambodia

 On October 26th, 2012, Mr. Ittipol Khumpluem, Pattaya Mayor; Captain Jirathit Ongaree, CEO of Solar Air; Rear Admiral Saknarin Charoensuk, Director of U-Tapao-Pattaya International airport, and Vice Admiral Suraphong Aisanon, Consultant to the chairman of U-Tapao-Pattaya airport, joined a press conference announcing the new route which is aimed at enhancing the potential for tourism in these areas.

Mr. Jirathit Ongaree revealed that U-Tapao-Pattaya International Airport has a policy of continuing development: it is one of two international airports in Thailand that can accommodate the Airbus A380, and it is also near to tourist attractions in the Eastern region, being just 30 kilometers from Pattaya.

Solar Air, together with Maxx Royal Tour Co., Ltd has launched this new route in anticipation of the increased tourism business that will come with liberalization of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.  A further flight is expected to be launched in the near future between U-Tapao-Pattaya International and Koh Tao in the south. Flights will commence as from the November 9th.

During his speech Mr. Ittipol Khumpluem said this new route is a joint cooperation with the public and private sectors and will further develop and enhance the tourism business in these areas. Travelers will save time in travelling on one way and return trips to and from Pattaya to Angkor Wat, Cambodia, or from Pattaya to Chumphon.

 Vice Admiral Suraphong Aisanon revealed that the government has approved the construction of the airport’s new passenger terminal , offering an increased passenger handling capacity from its current  500 travelers to 1,500 travelers per hour. This will help  build the  airports credibility and further increase its image. As for the expansion’s security aspects, the issue has already been addressed.

In anticipation of the new passenger terminal being completed around June 2013,  other airlines apart from Bangkok Airways and Solar Air have been in contact, thus showing further interest in the Eastern region’s potential.

Solar services will operate flights  four days a week, using 18 seat aircraft for each flight. For flight schedules and reservation: www.maxxroyaltour.com and www.solarair.co.th.