The relocation of some of Thai Smile's operations to Don Mueang signals the airline's serious attempt to wrestle from its rivals the crown of being the country's largest carrier by market share. Currently, Nok Air reigns supreme in the domestic travel market.
Nok Air initially operates only three of its busiest routes from Don Mueang Airport-Don Mueang-Chiang Mai, Don Mueang-Phuket, and Don Mueang-Khon Kaen. Weeks ahead of its scheduled transfer to its current hub, the airline launched a ticket promo as a marketing campaign to announce its move.
The promo surprisingly was well-received by the traveling public, posting a high 90% average of available seats in all three routes.
Thai Airways and all its subsidiaries are planning to desert Suvarnabhumi Airport in favor of Don Mueang Airport by October this year. Together, they will create flight schedules that would complement each of their flights for a smoother and hassle-free travel for customers who have connecting flights to both domestic and international destinations.
Thai Smile is confident that it would be able to attract more customers from its new hub given its location within Bangkok.